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Album Details

• Artist: Antibalas
• Album: Security
• Label: Anti
• Year of Release: 2007
• ME Rating:
• Reviewed by: dscanland on 2007-02-27

Yes, the mighty Antibalas Afrobeat Orchestra is back with another amazing mash up of funk, African rhythms, jazz and everything in between. Security is the first album that the Antibalas crew have reached out to producer genius John McEntire of Sea and Cake/Tortoise fame. He has managed to make this tight funk band even tighter AND funkier. Although, if you have been a fan for a while this shouldn't surprise you. AND the element of surprise seems to be gone. The only way for Antibalas to improve is to get tighter.

The first track on Security is "Beaten Metal" and it reminds us of what funk should feel like. It's adventurous and keeps your head bobbing throughout the entire song. Keyboards are up front in the mix. Then comes the first of two 10 minute plus opuses: "Filibuster XXX". It's a good thing it starts of very strong with a very cool bass-line. Then in comes a fun keyboard riff, reminding me of Jimmy Smith. "Filibuster XXX" takes us through 12 minutes of our time but after those 12 minutes you feel alive. Not long enough? Try on the next track, "Sanctuary" which almost reaches 13 minutes. It's a much more laid back track and in all honesty, probably my least favorite. "Hilo" is the type of gentle track that I enjoy.

The whole album goes down nice though. It is a solid addition to the Antibalas catalog. Check out their lovely fusion of world, funk, rock and soul. I think they have probably found a good home in the eclectic Epitaph affiliate Anti.

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