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Big Mean Sound Machine: Runnin' for the Ghost
ByThe fourth full-length chapter in the musical story of this ten-piece afrobeat band led by bassist Angelo Peters was inspired by performing with master afrobeat drummer

Tony Allen
drums1938 - 2020
Runnin' for the Ghost continually grows in density, color and dynamics, and feels like you've jammed your ears into the high-speed spin cycle of an afrobeat washing machine. "Seeing the Bigger Picture" synthesizes afrobeat guitar and melody with Afro-Cuban percussion patterns, convening near the Caribbean through Peters' hard-rocking bass line (as if meeting in their geographic middle), with a synthesizer solo wriggling through like a line scribbled in fluorescent color.
"Van Chatter," which blends Central African Soukous with West African Highlife, kicks off from

The relentlessly undulating serpentine horn chart in the title track is remarkably arranged and even more expertly played. This tune comes out of the box sounding like it's already been (pre-)remixed by The Chemical Brothersa computerized rhythm like the underbelly of a rampaging mechanical bull driving a Latin brass band's march through ancient Egyptian deserts, and ending with a birdsong's curtain call of solitary flute against harmonizing electronics. Simply remarkable.
Recorded live, with half captured in a Baptist church, Runnin' for the Ghost presents the sound of tomorrow's music, more than a few days early. ">
Track Listing
Return of the March; Seeing the Bigger Picture; Van Chatter; Runnin’ for the Ghost; Hired Guns; Burning Van; Kang’s Lament; Triple Bacon; The G; Sahara Cell Phones; Another Grain of Sand.
Personnel
Alicia Aubin: trombone; Ray McNamara: guitar; Tyler Burchfield: baritone sax, flute; Greg Blair: baritone sax; Andrew Klein: drums, cymbals, percussion; Lucas Ashby: congas, percussion, effects; Angelo Peters: bass, mini-moog, synthesizers; Dan Barker: guitar, baritone guitar; Dana Billings: Roland Juno, mini-moog, combination organs; Paulie Philippone: mini-moog, Wurlitzer electric piano; combination organs; Lex Schmidt: congas, percussion; Bobby Spellman: trumpet; Jamie Yaman: tenor saxophone; Josh Oxford: mini-moog, synthesizers; Jack Storer: trumpet.
Album information
Title: Runnin' for the Ghost | Year Released: 2017 | Record Label: Peace & Rhythm | Blank Slate Records
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