Born and breed in Brooklyn, New York, this band is as diverse, complex, and captivating
as the city that brought them together. Antibalas, which is Spanish for “bulletproof,”
is sort of like the Ozomatli of the East Coast.
Though they have gained much recognition for their revolutionary Afrobeat sound,
the dozen members of the band bring out the best of Latin, jazz, funk, and soul.
With a strong lineup in the horn section, the band breathes new life into this
unique mix of genres.
Antibalas, much
like Ozomatli, is more than a band - it’s an institution. A place where
thoughts, desires, and dreams are expressed through music. And those thoughts,
desires, and dreams are less about the girl who broke your heart and more about
the social and political issues that influence our lives. The band has done
a fine job in not only introducing Afrobeat to a new generation, but also in
building social awareness around a sound that is so powerful and contagious.
The band’s
latest full-length release, Security, is comprised of seven dynamic tracks produced
by John McEntire (Tortoise, Stereolab, Tom Ze). This is a colorful album demonstrating
yet another side of this multi-dimensional and energetic Brooklyn collective.
It’s uplifting, inspiring, and a lot of fun to listen to. Security is certainly
a superb experience for new and old fans alike.
With an endless
appetite to create and play music, the guys of Antibalas have averaged 100 shows
a year across the continents. From the tiny clubs of Brooklyn to the Bonnaroo,
Bumbershoot, Rokslide, Montreux, and Coachella festivals, they have done it
all. With a new record out in March, Antibalas is set to take off for another
round of shows in 2007.
So, buy the album,
go see them live, and take a step to support their effort in making music that
matters!
Security
