AFROBEAT – Rock Era Magazine

Album: The Imperfectionist by Nothing Concrete

Mena Ezzat — Thu, 26 Jun 2025 21:00:43 +0000

Styles such as folk and blues are distinctly audible, especially in contrast to heavy or EDM music. Why is that? Because every element is evident, showcasing both its charms and its flaws. Nothing Concrete’s latest album, The Imperfectionist, is not merely a new release for the band; it represents a unique journey that you may not encounter again in 2025. Let’s delve into it.

The 10-track album opens with a compelling folk song “The Boats” featuring exceptional vocals and a powerful choir. What stands out most are its Eastern and particularly Oriental influences. Next, the journey continues to a different part of the world with the tango-inspired beats and catchy melody of “Broken Birds.” These artists truly demonstrate their versatility, showcasing that they can excel in any genre. Truly impressive!

Before we delve into the album, let me take a moment to introduce you to Nothing Concrete. This unique multicultural band, which started in Scotland and is now based in Foix, is thrilled to announce the upcoming release of their fourth studio album, titled The Imperfectionist.

In fact, with each track, The Imperfectionist invites listeners to embark on a sonic journey that transcends borders and cultures. For instance, “Cometh the Hour” carries a bluesy essence. I appreciated the raw vocals, and the structure of the song is truly remarkable. It seems to blend the spirit of the golden era while also incorporating a modern twist. It is perfectly crafted and presented!

In my album reviews, I usually prefer not to discuss each song individually, but I find it hard to resist sharing my thoughts on the tracks. One crucial aspect to highlight in this record is the arrangement. I truly appreciated how it showcased the warm, emotive vocals, melodic vibes, and tight rhythm, all delivered beautifully.

Each track offers a unique narrative, yet I must acknowledge that they possess distinct characteristics. It’s challenging to assert that some tracks are superior to others; however, if you listen to the album’s title track, “Mariachi,” “SOS,” or “The Western,” you will undoubtedly experience a memorable musical journey unlike any other record this year.

One of the key aspects to highlight is the recording and production process, which has been in progress since last year, alongside the remarkable work of Keith Witty. In my opinion, his contribution has elevated this entire album to a new global level.

Nothing Concrete’s dedication to authenticity and innovation shines through in every note, making ‘The Imperfectionist’ not just an album, but an experience that resonates long after the final track fades. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a new listener, this album promises to leave a lasting impression, much like the band itself.

Nothing Concrete is set to take the stage at the Glastonbury Festival 2025, Europe’s largest music festival, marking a major milestone in the band’s journey.

Dope Man by Love Ghost

Hazem Mahani — Tue, 14 Nov 2023 12:39:44 +0000

Teaming up with BET International Entertainer of the Year nominee Ghanaian

Afrobeat artist Camidoh and Global Prodigy Award Winner DJ Switch Ghana, Love Ghost dropped one of their best collaborations Dope Man on the 10th of November 2023. Steering towards a way different sound and flow, Dope Man is going straight to your “On Repeat” playlist.

Dope Man smoothly opens with warm guitars and a catchy groovy vocal melody with a smooth floating progression, leading to a swaying upbeat chorus. The 2nd verse is where they take the energy to the next level, with irresistible Afro beats that escalate dynamically boosting the energy and sending unstoppable dancing vibes, this is gonna BOON guys. The production, arrangements, and layering are beautiful, with a lovely melancholic layer mixed with dancy beats in a beautiful harmonic mix. The way the song’s dynamics go is impressive, they take us on a sweet floating emotional trip with a sweet relief at the end with an engaging singalong part before going with a bittersweet ouro, lovely written and executed.

Dope Man is a huge change in Love Ghost‘s sound, showing their other side as they take their music to the other side of the world, and it’s even more mature, proving their musicianship, writing skills, and keen eye when it comes to collaborations, great input from Camidoh and DJ Switch Ghana. Looking forward to more from you guys, keep on rocking. Cheers!

Kambo Wambo (extended version) by Ari Joshua’s RAAR Trio

Hamza Sharkas — Tue, 29 Aug 2023 11:55:42 +0000

In the good ol days of music, when they recorded a band, they recorded the band…everyone…in the studio…playing together…and recording together at the same time…luckily, there are some artists that are also purists, like Ari Joshua‘s RAAR Trio.

The trio’s line up is Ray Paczkowski, Russ Lawton and of course Ari Joshua and they are based in Burlington, VT, USA.

Kambo Wambo by Ari Joshua
Taking us back in time, where the music was recorded as if it was a jam…Ari Joshua‘s Trio are releasing the full uncut jam of their upcoming track “Kambo Wambo”…this is “Kambo Wambo Extended Version”.

“Kambo Wambo Extended Version” is an extended loose jam from the band’s studio session…it’s an astounding 19 minutes and 18 seconds of pure musicianship.

Mixing psychedelic, soul, rock, afrobeats, funk and contemporary music, the trio manages to successfully and easily take us to a more musical time, a more pure form of music fully depending on the synchronicity and musical understanding between the musicians…if you look at the time of 19 minutes, you might think “this is a jam”…but if you listen to it you’ll know that it’s a fully fledged musical experience with all the elements and nuances of an instrumental masterpiece.

The organs and keyboard are 70s delight, licks and solos fill and soar high above…the drums is a chameleon, shifting from a beat to another, from one mood to another is the blink of a drum fill…the guitars’ funky mood is like a wave in the ocean that keeps us moving and bobbing our heads above the waters…and let’s not forget the groovy bass lines that acts as the backbone of this experience.

The guitar and organ keep trading places…and the bass oversees everything.

Solos go back and forth between the guitar and the organ.

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“Kambo Wambo Extended Version” is like a short movie, it’s more of a musical experience that it is of a track…filled with melodies, harmonies, many beats and groovy bass lines, it’s a one-of-a-kind musical experience that takes you close to the action, to the musicians…actually close enough to be in the studio with them.

“Kambo Wambo Extended Version” is a hybrid between a studio recording and a live show…it’s many things, but one thing that’s sure…it’s not to be missed.

We can’t wait to experience more music from the Ari Joshua‘s RAAR Trio…we wish them all the best in the world, they are simply brilliant.

Cheers!