As the sun sets on our short, frigid, British Summer, The Very Best (an international trio representing France, Sweden and Malawi) are set to cast an electro-pop jewel into space to replace that huge, fading star. Following the success of their underground mixtape released at the end of last year, this full-length debut is sung primarily in Chichewa (the native language of Malawi), which means that it instantly fails the essential Western criteria for purchase.
Adventurous listeners willing to take a chance should expect to be completely rewarded by an eminently danceable record that features some inspiring vocal performances and eclectic production that mixes Afrobeat, electro and pop influences to heart-warming effect. Clearly, that’s why they gave the album its title.
(4/5)
Ash Akhtar
Get 3 songs: Nntende Uli, Nsokoto, Kada Manja
Dig it? Dig deeper: Evison Matafale, Metronomy, Vampire Weekend
*Published in Clash Magazine, pg 114, October 2009.
