Album Review: Afrofuturistics – The Enigmatic
Reviewed by Matthew Williams
I’ve had a love of all things hip hop ever since I saw Scott Ian wearing a Public Enemy t-shirt in an Anthrax video in the late 80’s and decided to check them out, as that’s how you heard about groups back in those days. I’ve been fortunate to see many of my favourite hip hop artists over the years, and what Chicago based ensemble Afrofuturistics are doing with the release of their debut EP, is fusing jazz and experimental hip hop.
It is reminiscent of the phenomenal Jazzmatazz album curated by the legend that was Guru, and with elements of Jurassic 5 and British acid jazz legends Galliano thrown in, this really is an enjoyable collection of songs. Formed in the summer of 2024, bassist and composer Erik Oldman and rapper/producer Karl “Brother Tone” Isaacs, have written 5 new tracks, full of hedonistic beats, swaying melodies and razor-sharp lyrics.
The EP kicks off in some style with “These Things Happen” which has a slightly darker, eerie edge to the intro, but soon gets moving as the lyrics pop with MC Brother Tone rhyming with ease over the sumptuous bass. Everything seems so effortless as the fusion is without limits and on “Daydream” they fully explore dense harmonies and further experimentation. When the music comes alive, I get a hint of New Orleans based Hot 8 Brass Band, but more importantly, it’s a song that will put a smile on your face.
What I particularly love about their music is the captivating use of saxophones and trumpets, courtesy of Keith Wakefield, Scott Free, Luc Mosley and Eli Wilson. The title track is a wonderfully, relaxing composition that evokes images of a glorious sunset as it slowly builds and takes on a life of its own, punctuated with free-flowing lyrics. The use of Oldman’s basslines stands out further on the exquisite “One Whole Song” which is another fine example of what the group are trying to do.
Harmonically, the collective is spreading their scope far and wide to bring the listener something different with their multi layered brass and wind instruments. The approach is pleasing to the ear and final track “Lexaprocrasstination” brings it all together in one sweeping and delightful track that exudes confidence and is a thrilling ride of euphoric sounds blended into one fascinating song.
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