Review: You can rely on the Sofrito label to unearth the most daring of dance music from the most obscure corners of the earth. This latest instalment lands on Madagascar's shores, a stunning landscape with relatively little known about its music from the typical Westerner; as usual, though, we are pleasantly surprised by what we discover on this totally killer two-tracker. The sound is called Salegy, a style originating from the island's North-Western quarters, and that evokes fast 6/8 rhythms accompanied by steely percussion folds and tribalistic chanting: "Mavandeza" is a deep and mystical song performed by the Vetson Androy outfit, who were famous proponents of the sound at the height of its popularity in 1978. The B-side is from tenders later, and Joajoby's "Tarantasy Maitso" is another glorious slice of vocal-led percussion in the island's loose and spiritual style. Unmissable.
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