Faratuben – Sira Kura CD (Sounds Of Subterrania)

Faratuben is a Malinesian/Danish ensemble comprised of eight highly experienced musicians who’re delivering traditional bobo music. The bobo music is playing an integral part in bobo culture and folklore, and this specific sound is usually achieved on balafon (West African marimba) and dondo (the talking drum). Faratuben decided to upgrade traditional articulations by implementing omnipresent instruments such as guitars, bass guitar, keyboards, percussions, and drums. Therefore, Faratuben has become one of the principal curators of bobo music that gradually gains on popularity among the consumers of traditional African music.

Sira Kura represents their debut full-length album, comprised of twelve danceable compositions. The polyphonous sound of these songs goes beyond comprehension, and you may find it difficult to grasp all the tones after just one spinning of the record. This particular album demands repetitious consumption, so you can completely comprehend the full specter of various sounds and beats. Perhaps the bobo music is the primary direction of Faratuben, but there’s certainly more than meets the eye. You may encounter traditional and non-traditional music from other African regions, afrobeat, world music, funk, and jazz. The music strongly resembles the sound of psychedelic funk, decorated by the odd rhythmical structures characteristic for African and jazz music.

There’s a vividly hearable soft rock base in certain moments that gives more drive to particular compositions, but the group sticks to the abovementioned genres. The vocal segments are performed in a traditional bobo music style, but you may also encounter some uplifting singalongs along the way. Faratuben leans towards every possible direction, but the group binds these distinctive genres with such ease. The primary focus is on vocals, guitar melodies, balafons, and percussions. However, the other instruments are equally crucial and hearable during the entire album. The sole purpose of Sira Kura is danceable music that will undoubtfully shape up your mood for the better. Faratuben thought about every aspect of their debut record. From enjoyable harmonizations and appealing orchestrations to profoundly skillful musicianship, Faratuben bursts with brilliance and outstanding musical performance.

Sira Kura is available on vinyl in limited quantities from Sounds Of Subterrania Records, but you can also check out this record at Spotify. I highly recommend experiencing bobo music on LP, because it gives a much expansive sound than the digital version. Head over to the Sounds of Subterrania Records web store and treat yourself.