Favourite Albums of 2017 #14 Ibeyi - Ash

French-Cuban twins Naomi and Lisa-Kaindé Diaz, better known as Ibeyi released their second album in 2017 and immediately stopped me in my tracks. With its gorgeous harmonies, booming organic beats and minimalist production, it sounds, to put it bluntly, absolutely f*cking amazing. Try playing this record loud on a high-quality stereo, stand well back and feel it as well as hear it. It connected with me in the same way as much as Bjork’s work often does, although ironically, despite much critical acclaim the new Bjork record has floated by me without really locking me in. 

Produced by Richard Russell and with guest appearances from the likes of Chilly Gonzales, Meshell Ndegeocello, Mala Rodriguez, and Kamasi Washington and Michelle Obama (albeit Michelle is just a sample) Ash is full of rhythm and unique songs – if I had one criticism it’s that some of the tracks almost seem a little too short and that the gaps between them aren’t long enough. I’d liked them to have just languidly grooved on for a few minutes longer and have had a bit more space to breathe, but I guess that doesn’t suit the modern way of jump to the next track listening thanks to streaming services. 

But that minor criticism aside (and it's not much of a criticism to say you want more of the same is it?) as the beats and dense harmonies draw you in on this record you’ll soon realise that Ash comes with a high focus on the current climate of injustice. In particular there is much emphasis on female equality. “The measure of any society is how it treats its women and girls” says Michelle Obama in the previously mentioned sample. It's just one of many references to a strong female positive message on the album.

Ash is a record that is socially conscious, mixes tradition with modernism and has some great songs in the mix as well. If my criticism above had been taken into account it would have probably been in my top 10, but still 14th favourite of the year is still a big compliment.

Ibeyi - Away Away

Ibeyi - River (Video)

When you were young and having a bath did you submerse yourself under the water and see how long you could hold your breath for? If you did you’ll probably appreciate this, the second video from Ibeyi, which was filmed in one take. Naomi and Lisa-Kainde Diaz, the sisters that form the band, have dedicated the song to Oshun, a river goddess. It would seem that they’re coming from a different angle to all those artists who only seem to be able to dedicate songs to partying, not giving a f*ck and being in da club. Thank whatever higher beings there are out there for that.

River takes a very rhythmic lead, possibly a nod to the sister’s late father Anga Diaz who was a well known Cuban percussionist and compliments the stunning Oya, their first release. Both songs can be found on the debut Ibeyi EP which is released through XL - a label of incredible diversity and general good taste. Fans of Bjork and tUnE-yArDs may be particularly interested in hearing it. You can buy or stream the EP right now.

Ibeyi - River (Video)

Ibeyi - New Waves

Here is one of, if not the best, songs we’ve heard over the last few weeks. Ibeyi are Lisa-Kaindé and Naomi Diaz, a French / Cuban duo who have signed to XL records (Jungle, Adele, Vampire Weekend, Radiohead) a label that has a track record in bringing quality whatever the genre to your ears. Oya is their debut single and the song's haunting and stirring vocal harmonies hark back to something deeply mystical. The term world music is a horrible one, but it fits here, yet in some ways it's also otherworldly. Added to this are some unique percussive textures and truly a captivating video. As we said, without doubt one of the best things we've heard in the last few weeks.

According to the internet Ibeyi’s music is inspired by the culture of Yoruba, which originated in West Africa but moved to Cuba. The Yoruba community is meant to have the highest twinning rate in the world, the name Ibeyi meaning Twins in Yoruba.

Of course this could all be a load of PR company tosh. We have an A-Level in Geography but we’ve never heard of Yoruba until today, but we’ve Googled it and there are plenty of entries for it, so it must be true, because the internet never lies. Right?

What definitely isn’t a lie is the fact that Oya is a stunning and innovative debut, the sort of thing that fans of the likes of Bjork will probably fall head over heels in love with. Press play and be wowed.

Ibeyi - Oya (Video)