- This is the third yearly Autonomous Africa EP, a series curated by Optimo's JD Twitch that raises money for African charities while showcasing African-influenced music. As with the second edition, all proceeds from this release will go to the Mtandika Mission in Tanzania. Midland, who grew up in Tanzania and whose parents run the Mission, contributes "Safi," a clattering blend of looping chants and tribal drums that takes on a mesmeric quality around the halfway mark with the addition of a humming bassline.
Golden Teacher associates General Ludd contribute "Burning Mack," a gradually building affair that starts out with echoing bongos as its main ingredient before morphing into a rush of bass and synth effects. The wonderful voice of Ghanaian vocalist Anbuley dominates Brian "Auntie Flo" D'Souza's "Daabi." D'Souza, who has contributed to every Autonomous Africa release so far, adorns her evocative voice with simple percussion and bass and some unexpectedly ravey squeaks late in the track. JD Twitch's closer, "Maya," may be the pick of an impressive bunch, with intoxicating percussive clatters and chimes, and booming analogue bass and pads leading into a stirring spoken-word ending.
TracklistA1 Midland - Safi
A2 General Ludd - Burning Mack
B1 Auntie Flo - Daabi
B2 JD Twitch - Maya