Metascore
87

Universal acclaim - based on 11 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 11
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 11
  3. Negative: 0 out of 11
  1. 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.
  2. It's among the most fascinating music I've heard and deserves a listen by anyone with even the remotest interest in the possibilities of sound.
  3. This could be one of the unexpected successes of the year. Play it very loud.
  4. I simply cannot imagine what it would be like to see these guys live, but follow up that New Order at your next dance party with some Congotronics and people will be bouncing off the walls.
  5. This tapestry of homemade instruments gives the mythology of Konono a potent, raw edge, and the ferocity with which they play them only further substantiates the feeling that the music has been pushed into a raw, indelibly pure zone.
  6. 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.
  7. Truly remarkable... Fans of Fela and the Ethiopiques discs will dig this, as will fans of the Notwist, Prefuse 73 and Aphex Twin.
  8. It's something that could appeal to everyone from fans of Can to Fela to Kompakt. This is inspiring stuff.
  9. Mojo
    80
    Stick on the nine minutes of opener Lufuala Ndonga, turn the bottom end up and stand back. What happens next is unbelievable. [May 2005, p.98]
  10. The Wire
    80
    As you try to sift through the dense crosstalk of twittering beats, your ears are beguiled ever deeper into Konono's rhythmic threshing machine. [#253, p.52]

Awards & Rankings

User Score
7.2

Generally favorable reviews- based on 5 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 4 out of 5
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 5
  3. Negative: 1 out of 5
  1. MD.
    Nov 18, 2007
    9
    An exceptional release from an exceptional band. Their repertoire of adhoc electronic instruments exudes an unpolished charm that transcends 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. Full Review »
  2. larryl
    Apr 12, 2006
    8
    8.5......pretty ingratiating. somehow, after just a few listens, the once foreign melodies turn into familiar hooks. also, it makes you want 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. Full Review »