Very interesting album in many ways. As the group has become more popular, many of the tracks have had a pounding bass or bass drum playing on the beat, as if to make it clear to all the white people where the beat is. And there is a bit more Zouk in this than before. So these are the bad points about this.
On the other hand, the vocals are even denser, and more anthemic, than ever, with an exultant joy conveyed by the way the group voices - and their multiple tracking until they are often a huge choir - are arranged; not quite harmoniously, because I doubt that they're using our scales.
And there are a couple of very experimental tracks in which there are attempts to incorporate the broken beat ideas being worked on by some London DJs into Zouglou mid-paced 6/8 rhythms. Unfortunately, these experiments have involved the beat, particularly its broken elements, being adhered to rigidly, thus losing the flow and inspiration that their music has had in the past. This is very disappointing for me, because I can almost imagine how this idea could work and be glorious. But in popular music these days, even a failed experiment is worth a hell of a lot. And perhaps they'll get it right, next time.
So this is an album on the edge - and pulled into the past as well as into the future. Sure is interesting to listen to! - AM
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