Aphrodesia – “Shackrobeat Vol. 1 ” – [Flatbed Lamborgini]

Recorded in 16-track analog by Myles Boisen @ Guerrilla Studios
in Oakland, this is the ‘Super Afro-Beat? of the 11-piece SF musical
orchestra known as APHRODESIA, who specialize in polishing &
electrifying traditional songs from Africa, Cuba and Brazil with a
funky roar of backbeats, bustling horns, floating sax, walloping
grooves, sidewinding guitars & shimmering rhythms behind singer
Lara Maykovich, who effortlessly segues from mbira to cosmo funk
with a toss of her head and a grind of hips. APHRODESIA employs
members of PEOPLE’S BIZARRE, BITCHES BREW, MAS CABEZA,
JAPONIZE ELEPHANTS, TRANSMISSION TRIO, SEXFRESH,
and ANTIBALAS. Opening with some motoring Afro-Cuban sounds
( # 1), moving to a FUNKY FLAMES meets Brazil ( # 2) vibe, boards
the bus between Lagos and Detroit ( # 3), touches the billowing scape
of Zimbabwean Shona lullaby ( # 5), charges forth with Ethiopean 6/4
groove barrels blazing ( # 6), interlocks guitars + a three-note bass
riff in tribute to Ghanaian Highlife ( # 7), and finally achieves trance
in the rhythms of Mahororo ( # 8), which gets an intriguing re-workout
in Jamaican dub-style ( # 9). Immediate, startling & all-encompassing.

MITCH November 2003