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Konono No. 1, ‘Assume Crash Position’ (Crammed Discs)

Four tracks into this Kinshasa institution’s second album since the 1960s, founder Mingiedi Mawangu’s solo is interrupted by the alarming thud of a brick wall collapsing outside his home. Undeterred, the band picks up right where he left off, with its signature barrage of palpitating drums, piercing whistles, and spirited chants joining Mawangu’s electric likembe (thumb piano) in various states of distortion. Even with enhanced production, Konono still sound like high prophets of lo-fi magic. Don’t expect variety, though. It’s all about the trance.

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