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With their Dais Records debut, the Manchester-based duo Space Afrika unveils ‘Honest Labour,’ a genre-bending masterpiece that marries diasporic innovation with the authentic grit of Northern, British working-class roots. With inspiration drawn from the likes of Dean Blunt, Cocteau Twins, Klein, and DJ Spooky among others, the duo crafts a sonic tapestry that is as profoundly emotive as it is audacious, making it one of the most impressive albums of 2021.
Joshua Inyang and Joshua Tarelle, the talents behind Space Afrika, have been shaping a unique sonic identity since their first release in 2014. Their innovative journey began with inspirations rooted in dub techno, evolving towards a more personal musical language with the inclusion of ‘nuum history elements in their 2018’s “Somewhere Decent to Live.”
Last summer’s worldwide anti-racism protests spurred the pair to push their sound even further with “Hybtwibt?” This powerful album blends elements of politics, personal narratives, and raw emotions, defying genre conventions. Their exploration continued with the conceptually deep “Untitled (To Describe You) OST,” melding drill and musique concrete to explore themes of identity and class.
Now, with ‘Honest Labour,’ Space Afrika delivers their most ambitious and defining work to date. This album masterfully interweaves diverse cultural and musical influences, blurring boundaries and creating a vibrant mosaic of sound. It combines the post-jungle sparkle with elements of trip-hop and illbient, resulting in an awe-inspiring auditory journey.
A standout track, ‘B£E,’ features a visceral rap from MCR’s Blackhaine, layered over crumbling breaks reminiscent of Tricky’s “Nearly God” album. The duo’s introduction of orchestral strings enhances the track’s gritty reality, fully immersing the listener in the rain-soaked ethos of working-class Britain.
Space Afrika’s ‘Honest Labour’ is a tour-de-force, blending inspirations from Goldie’s euphoric melancholy, Tricky’s working-class poetry, Actress’s high-minded storytelling, and Klein’s experimental noise. This fascinating fusion results in a unique narrative of the Black British experience, demanding the listener’s full attention.
An essential 2021 release, ‘Honest Labour’ captures the spirit of its diverse influences while standing as a testament to Space Afrika’s passion for musical exploration and their meticulous sound crafting. This album is not only transformative but a testament to the duo’s immense talent, asserting its place in the landscape of contemporary music.
