Liverpool Sound and Vision rating * * * *
The name of the band may be named after a means to perform execution in Africa but there is nothing lifeless about Soweto Necklace, quite the contrary judging by their E.P. Beasts of the Southern Interior, they are fresh, exciting and something different to the ears that can only bring a smile to the face as their infectious rhythms and interplayed harmonies, along with rather ambitious music, strikes the tune for a distinctive beat.
Soweto Necklace have come out the newly formed Liverpool based music and arts collective known as Modern Polymath. The unrestrained and almost unique way to bring diverse set of compositions to the attention of those who work and play in Liverpool and who, unless they are aware of Peter Gabriel’s work with Real World music or the sublime Gracelands by Paul Simon, then this nod to Liverpool’s African Oye* festival and roots/world music will come as real refreshing moment.
The four songs on offer by Soweto Necklace are brimming with wonderful experimentation, of a heartbeat which captures the imagination and makes joining in a grateful pursuit and pleased to have had accepted the invitation. Experimentation will only take you so far, without a structure, a beautifully arranged piece in the background to work with; it could become dull quite quickly. Beastsof the Southern Interior not only stays completely on track, the blending of youth and experience, of interest andwell-practiced familiarity make it an essential piece of music to embrace.
The four tracks, Klipsringer, Life On The Highveld, KwaZulu-Natal and Olifants, sit comfortably in the arc of the E.P. that they may have well pulled up the best chair, stoked up the pipe and begun recounting stories around a warm fire. It is the voice of generation past, of ancestors influence upon us all that resonates through each song. Never once does the voice waver or become muted, it is a voice that needs, requests to be heard. It never demands though for that would ensure some don’t pay attention and this E.P. requires that full attention.
A cracking E.P. from the Modern Polymath stable. If anything else comes from this new collective then surely they will have inspired others to take a new look at the way music is delivered. Great stuff!
Ian D. Hall