“World music” and “collaboration” are usually two words which, when used together, point to a midlife crisis. There’s only been one album that I can honestly say has triumphed in this field and it was The Hour Of Two Lights by Terry Hall and Mushtaq. However in my mind, Terry Hall can do no wrong so it’s a bit of a biased opinion if I’m honest. It really is brilliant though and well worth a listen.

Anyway, when I heard the deafening news that Damon Albarn was to embark on that same treacherous journey venturing across a sea of genres and submerging himself in all things Congo, I was honestly expecting a below par jamboree.

To go to a country which is still suffering from one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises was a stunt that would include only the most gracious of rock stars. My head conjured up images of a felt tipped Chris Martin and a greasy haired Bono who, with a camera crew in tow, would sing a lovely acoustic number about death and famine whilst they shared a cup of tea with some of the leading Conga rebels and peace would be restored for eternity.

So what a surprise it was to find out that it was Damon Albarn, Dan the Automator and their elite producing posse who would be dusting off their action sandals to go and record an album for Oxfam in… Oh around about seven days. It’s not the first time Albarn has attempted something of this magnitude, back in 2002 he released the Mali Music Project. You could say that DRC Music (facebook/twitter) is a better organised, more confident version of Mali. With a whole troupe of local musicians, including Tout Puissant Mukalo, Nelly Liyemge and Evala Litongo plus a production team working around the clock, DRC Music’s first album Kinshasha One Two was born.

Although the each track must have encountered a lot of forward planning, it is unbelievable to think that this album was recorded within a week. The opening track Hallo is a cracker combining old school dub with a hazy backdrop. It’s really difficult to put your finger on the general sound of this album; it’s sporadic, it’s melodic, it’s frenetic and it’s mellow. The speedy vocals and dynamic instrumentals mixed with electronic beats of African Space Anthem, echoes the frantic urban living on the streets of Kinshasha.

Another firm favourite is If You Wish To Stay Awake; a rather harrowing mix of up tempo electronica and percussion where you can really see the influence of Gorillaz coming through. Three Piece Sweet Parts 1 & 2 again offers a heavy and up tempo electronic sound plus vocals from Bebson. This track is one that will definitely have the dancehall up and jumping. Love offers a stripped down a cappella track, which does come as a welcome respite from some of the heavier tracks that are sprinkled across the album.

All in all, it’s a great effort from DRC Music that offers a completely fresh perspective on the Democratic Republic of Congo. Even better is that is raises the profile of local musicians, as well as ensuring that the public don’t forget the humanitarian issues that are still tearing this country apart.

DRC Music – Kinshasa One Two is available digitally now and will have a physical release on Warp Records on 7th November

[BUY] DRC Music – Kinshasa One Two on MP3 @ Fairsharemusic
[Pre-Order] DRC Music – Kinshasa One Two on CD @ Amazon

Hallo (featuring Tout Puissant Mukalo and Nelly Liyemge) by DRC Music
If You Wish to Stay Awake (featuring Washiba) by DRC Music
Three Piece Sweet Parts 1 & 2 (featuring Bebson) by DRC Music
Love (featuring Love) by DRC Music