Demon Fuzz – Afreaka!

I remember the first time I saw this Afreaka! album. Instinctively, I thought it was a hip-hop record with a super-cool cover – modern, raw, and carrying a slightly aggressive edge. As I usually do, I slid the record out of its sleeve to check the condition and noticed it said 1970! The album moves freely between the driving rhythms of funk, the rich vocals of soul, the improvisational spirit of jazz, and the atmospheric excursions of psychedelic rock. African rhythms, hard-hitting rock and free-flowing jazz merge into something entirely its own. The mighty horn arrangements and lengthy instrumental passages constantly shift in tempo and mood, leaving you wanting more while each twist and turn sparks curiosity about where the music will take you next. Here we have a band that completely lets loose and, in the most genuine way imaginable, demonstrates a desire to explore new musical landscapes. At the time of its release, this LP was a bold experiment that never quite won over the masses. Over the years, however, it has proved itself remarkably timeless – a rarity that still sounds fresh and relevant today, and one that has become one of the most sought-after and exciting records of its kind. Once you've spun this record, it will return to your thoughts again and again, not like an irritating summer hit that you can't escape, but as an LP that rewards every listen with new discoveries and fresh surprises. And if you're even slightly sceptical about jazz fusion, there's a good chance this record will convert you into a full-throttle believer.