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Congotronics - Konono No. 1
Congotronics Image
Metascore
87 out of 100

Universal acclaim - based on 11 Critics What's this?

User Score
9.0 out of 10

Universal acclaim- based on 4 Ratings

Your Score
10 out of 10
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  • Summary: The first installment of a series of "Congotronics" releases features seven tracks by 30-year old Kinshasa-based band Konono No. 1, whose unconventional, homemade amplification brings an almost experimental edge to traditional African trance music.

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 11
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 11
  3. Negative: 0 out of 11
  1. Amazon.com
    90
    Truly remarkable... Fans of Fela and the Ethiopiques discs will dig this, as will fans of the Notwist, Prefuse 73 and Aphex Twin.
  2. Dusted Magazine
    90
    Almost classically psychedelic at times, with the overdriven saturation of too much light, motion and volume applied to every aspect of the music, this ensemble... represents the best of gritty, pre-funk groove music, Day-Glo popcorn cooking in gasoline, rattling like a machine gun.
  3. All Music Guide
    90
    Part traditional, part African rhumba, part smart avant-garde electronica, Congotronics is the sound of an urban junkyard band simultaneously weaving the past and the future into one amazingly coherent structure, and not only that, you can dance to it.

See all 11 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 2 out of 2
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 2
  3. Negative: 0 out of 2
  1. MD.
    9
    An exceptional release from an exceptional band. Their repertoire of adhoc electronic instruments exudes an unpolished charm that transcends the basic "world music" label. Some may compare them to Can, or to Aphex Twin and his ilk, but Konono N°1 is on another level. A guaranteed hit both with those contemplative musicologist types and those looking to trance their tits off.… Expand
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  2. larryl
    8
    8.5......pretty ingratiating. somehow, after just a few listens, the once foreign melodies turn into familiar hooks. also, it makes you want to bang on things, which can only be healthy.… Expand
    • 0 of 0 users said yes

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