CD Review: Afrolicious' 'California Dreaming'

Afrolicious
California Dreaming
Self-Release

Afrolicious releases yet another fine Afro-beat album containing heady rhythms and punchy melodies with a touch of dub, soul, and R&B. Every track explores throbbing beats and danceable rhythms that enlist the help of percussion, bass, sax, flute, trumpet, keys, and various electronic arrangements. The vocals create an exciting accompaniment throughout the album. All the tracks are produced by Pleasuremaker and some with the help of Rob Garza. At any rate, the dub beats are funk-laden and dance-driven, which makes for an interesting listening experience that is anything but dull and boring. Fans of contemporary Afro-beat music and dance will find enjoyment in the tracks on California Dreaming. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Afrolicious' 'A Dub For Mali'

Afrolicious
A Dub For Mali
ESL Music

Afrolicious is the result of Pleasuremaker (a.k.a Joe McGuire's) love of DJing and the sounds of North Africa. "Thursday Night Kinda" features some scat vocals by Baba Duru and a host of jazzy-electronica in the vein of Action Figure Party. It's not too hard nor too soft--it's just right. The electronic backbone and kora-melodies with miscellaneous sounds and cool grooves are featured on the title track, "A Dub For Mali." The Issa Bagayogo-esque vocals are provided by Burkina Faso's Yacouba Diara. "Foolin'" features the Trinidadian presence of Fresh Is Life with a funky, Caribbean element. The final track, "Vampires," sought the talents of Thievery Corporation's Rob Garza and the famous singer, Femi Kuti. The electronica, funk mix is loaded with nostalgia and futuristic embellishments that carry the track into an otherworldly realm. Femi's vocals are perfect, as well as the arrangements. The album is rich with sound and head-bobbing rhythms. The album length is only 23 minutes, but don't let that be a deterrent for sampling the electrified sounds of North Africa's roots music. A modern marvel and urban delight. ~ Matthew Forss