Afrolicious’ Pleasuretime sounds like a questionable massage parlor package deal, but it’s really the latest EP by a band helmed by brothers Joe and Oz McGuire (released Mar. 27, with a full album due out later this year). Weaving squeaky clean Afrobeat, drawn-out dub and exotic vocals, Pleasuretime’s a fine follow up to Afrolicious’ 2011 success with their debut LP, Dub For Mali. While their style is perfect for those who want something fresh n’ steady to dance to, it lacks the smart syncopation and analogue grit of authentic Afrobeat and its pluckier offshoots. Nonetheless, it’s groove-and move-worthy music, mixing the sounds of the West African ngoni (think a six-to 12-stringed ‘ukulele with a dried calabash body–goat skin stretched over it like a drum–and a small wooden shank for its neck), with clap-along beats touched by Caribbean spice (as on the title track and songs like “Bade Malou”). And seeing as this band has the sort of sound that’s likely best enjoyed live, we’re all in luck. Afrolicious gigs this Saturday (Apr. 7; 9:30pm; $15) at Casanova, before continuing their tour in Washington D.C., SoCal and Vancouver.
AFROLICIOUS
Pleasuretime (EP)
(ESL Music; 2012)
6 out of 11
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