This week's PBS Feature Album is SOGOLO, the second 21st century release by Zambian Zamrock pioneers (with the acronym 'We Intend To Cause Havoc'), WITCH.
SOGOLO means “future" or "front” echoing a longstanding ethic of the band, dating back to their 1980 disco album, Moving On. WITCH’s songs often originate from jam sessions, and this second album—following 2023’s Zango—marks another powerful return after a 40-year hiatus. Recorded at Big Snuff Studio in Berlin, it’s every bit as edgy, vibrant, and infectious as its predecessor.
Long-standing keyboardist and composer Patrick Mwondela says the essence of WITCH's sound is emotion. "This is how music touches people. It could be love, it could be war, it could be anything, but music is emotional."
There are non-stop delights in the momentum, mischief and musicianship of this entire album, from the meaty funky of 'Nadi', the beautifully soulful and tender 'Tiponde Madzi', the gentle rhythms of 'Bang Bang', the wonderfully warm, catchy acoustic guitar-based 'Mbangula Sesa', the fuzzy psych of '(In Memory of) John', the the deep funky afrobeat trills and skipping rhythms of 'Dancer On A Trip', all the way to closer 'Machiriso'. Funky, stylish, timeless fusions.
Tune in all this week to hear tracks from SONGOLO and PBS Members have the chance to win a copy of the album on vinyl: simply email your name and membership number to giveaways@pbsfm.org.au before midnight Sunday June 29.
Not a PBS Member? Join now!
TOP TRACKS WE'RE LOVING THIS WEEK
Bleak Squad - 'Lost My Head'
Evans Robson Quartet - 'For Archie'
On Diamond - 'Letting the Wheel Go By'
Fade Evare - 'Anymore'
Acopia - 'Falter'
Upchuck - 'Plastic'
JJ Whitefield - 'Snake Charm'
WZ - 'Organix'
khaled kurbeh - 'Darb I–II (دَرْب ١–٢)'
Rival Consoles - 'If Not Now'
