Rikki Ilonga & Musi-O-Tunya
Now-Again Rec. Rikki Ilonga & Musi-O-Tunya :
Dark Sunrise -3LP/2CD- (ZAM,1976)***°/*°°
I need to mention this re-release of 3 albums of Rikki Ililongo, a mixture of a diversity in styles like Afro-rock with some psych elements and songs in English. Often rather hypnotic in a slight stoned way, this ranges from raw garage psych and some Hendrix guitar elements heading towards the later changed Zamrock definition with more brass elements and the more generalising afro-beat groove which was going to be dominant in later days. This gives a very complete picture, from the period when the more adventurous “rock” element was still more dominant. The first CD is over 70 minutes. The second CD shows also a few songs clearly composed as a songwriter with his acoustic guitar, recorded with less instruments. You can see how much effort has been put into this double CD or triple LP box set to make it look like something for a library record of history. Most of the music isn't too dominant with creativity, but the inspirations are still from the best period. Especially the first album with music backed by Musi-O-Tunya (1973-1975) is worth checking out. The second album is dedicated to his solo works until 1976 and has some weaker and less interesting moments. "Working On The Wrong Thing" amongst this collection however has very strange electronica / keyboards on a softer rocker (with some wild electric guitar in the distance). "Take it light" is a funky pop-rocker.
The booklet also contains an interview with the band leader/singer/composer. He reminds us again of how Aids, poor economic situations and piracy destroyed much of what was built up during these years.
