David Benjamin has two alter egos in the music cosmos, which he feeds with completely different sounds and styles—Noema and Magic Jams, as the Berlin-based DJ christened his two aliases. They are now united on the latest edition of the Afro Disco series. With sensitivity and a broad instrumental repertoire, the sounds that have their roots on another continent are reproduced by artists from familiar club contexts. Thus »African Shaketown« explores a summery, warm ambience, somewhere near the beach.
The A-side is introduced by disco grooves and drum rhythms, the sounds of which come from the structures of a band, now reworked by Magic James. He carefully manoeuvres the tracks in the direction of funk and indie dance, while preserving their original sound signature. The productions sound here and now, but also there and then. With a little more house, Noam adds more drive. As the sun goes down, the sounds on this album become more groovy. David Benjamin succeeds in creating a summer soundtrack of escapism and longing for the beach and the sun on this 12-inch.
African Shaketown
