Zangoma — Faka Mulilo

Zangoma is a funky psychedelic blues rock band from Finland with an infusion of a Zambian offshoot of the style called 'Zamrock' which incorporated traditional rhythms in a similar way as afrobeat does.  Faka Mulilo is their debut album on Svart Records, with nine songs of average three-five minute length, filled to the brim with juicy guitar licks and satisfying soulful harmonies.

There is something of an interplay of group vocals here, as in the case of groups like Parliament or Fela Kuti's Africa 70.  Zambian Waina Kolomwe handles the lower registers, bringing African influence as well as influence from American black music like soul and R&B, reflected in the lovesick lyrics of songs like "Ego".  The other backing singers, guitarist Ville Salonen and bassist Riku Pirttiniemi, deliver more traditionally 'funky' falsettos, creating a very full sound when combined with Kolomwe.

The analog recording quality makes this album feel like a lost treasure from the past.  It is truly aligned in spirit with 70's music.  The shuffling groove is somewhere between Led Zeppelin and Jimi Hendrix.  The main anachronism you'll find on the album is the unexpected hip hop of "Anticannibals (feat. Beimaan)", which evolves into a satisfying reggae/dub groove.  They can also rock hard when they want, like the double time punk of "Zombi".  They cite Deep Purple in the liner notes, which is certainly apt, but sometimes it nears an intensity I might associate with bands like Bad Brains and 80's hardcore.

The songwriting is intelligent, with solid lyric writing.  Unlike some of the retro music out there, there is nothing forced here.  Rather than imitating rock tropes, the singers are describing their interpersonal reactions and feelings throughout the day.  It is interesting that a group from Finland perhaps better captures the infectious energy of the US music scene from the 70's and early 80's than current American groups.

Faka Mulilo is authentic and vivid like a moment where you catch an unexpected street performance of a masterful group.  Years of practice and live playing have resulted in a very fluent and comfortable record.  It may be their debut as a group, but certainly these are experienced musicians.  A juicy, satisfying piece of rock, with a lot of musicianship and musicality.