Reeds player of the moment Shabaka Hutchings, a ‘BBC New Generation Artist’, leads the fiery Sons of Kemet in an XOYO return. Anchored by the thundering basslines of tuba virtuoso Oren Marshall and propelled by drummers Seb Rochford (leader of Polar Bear) and Tom Skinner, the quartet have been riding high on a wave of critical acclaim following the release of their debut album Burn on the Naim Records label back in 2013. They picked up a MOBO Awards ‘Best Jazz Act’ win in the same year and have been savouring the limelight ever since, with a new European tour on the horizon.
Their sound is a tumultuous stylistic mashup of strutting, dubby grooves, and reggae-inspired melodies, with flat-out tuba driven rock, thrilling improvisation, and the occasional wistful clarinet feature thrown in for good measure. The drum duo make their presence felt with clattering fills, while Marshall brings further variety with a raft of jaw-dropping extended techniques that range from gravelly, synth-like drones, throbbing bass notes and juddering multiphonics to falsetto whoops and sounds like scratching on vinyl. Tracks to listen out for include Itis, with its swaggering melody, and Godfather, a tribute to legendary Ethiopian vibes player Mulatu Astatke which shows a more gentle and reflective side to the quartet.
Sons of Kemet’s previous XOYO appearance was a sellout that garnered rave reviews and there’s every reason to think that this will go the same way. Don’t miss out.
Watch a video of the band's live performance here
| What | Soundcrash present SONS OF KEMET plus Special Guests |
| Where | XOYO, 32-37 Cowper Street, London, EC2A 4AP | MAP |
| Nearest tube | Old Street (underground) |
| When |
On 29 Oct 14, 7:30 PM |
| Price | £15.50 |
| Website | Click here to book via the XOYO website |
