Congolese Bozombo band Konono No.1 play a style of music that’s mostly native to their African region, but it’s also a little bit punk rock and a little bit trance. They released their last proper LP, Congotronics, in 2004, and they’re finally releasing a follow-up on June 8. It will be called Assume Crash Position, which is essentially eponymous, since that’s the rough English translation of their Bantu band name. As with Congotronics years before, the album will get released on Crammed Discs Records.
According to various sources, the album will still feature the same thumb piano that was prominently featured on Congotronics (and Björk’s 2007 album, Volta, which featured contributions from Konono No.1), but this time, count on hearing an expansion of their sound, such as the utilization of bass and guitar.
In efforts to promote the album, Konono No.1 plans to set out on a full North American tour this July. Those tour dates have not yet been released. More exciting Konono news, however: Crammed Discs will be releasing a limited-edition vinyl box set that will include Congotronics, Assume Crash Position, live albums, a picture book (with text), unreleased tracks, USB stick, and much more. Be sure to check back on their site for pre-order information.
Tracklist:
1 Wumbanzanga
2 Thin Legs
3 Mama Na Bana
4 Makembe
5 Fula Fula
6 Guiyome
7 Konono Wa Wa Wa
