New Ahmed Gallab aka Sinkane's album on City Slang records! The former DFA artist's silky blend of various influences on acclaimed albums like Mars and Mean Love won over many devout fans, and the bright Life N Livin' It, his 5th full-length, once again draws from sounds of sub-Saharan Africa, funk, soul, krautrock, and more. Although he noted that his "primary intention was to make music that is joyous," more serious messages are nestled in the songs: "I remember listening to Bob Marley as a child. Dancing with my family in our living room and then my mother telling me what issues he was addressing… it made the music even better because it became about something more." Socially conscious songs that are lively and fun—there is really no 9 tracker. Check out the dancefloor-friendly "Telephone," or the the super catchy "Favorite Song." "U'Huh" also stands out with its breezy take on Afrobeat, and "Theme From Life & Livin' It" does a superb job of representing the overall vibe of the LP. This is the indie-exclusive green vinyl pressing.

• indie exclusive green vinyl
• music label: City Slang 2017

reviewed by enbee 02/2017