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Congotronics
by
Congotronics Image
Metascore
87

Universal acclaim - based on 11 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
7.2

Generally favorable reviews- based on 5 Ratings

  • 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. AllMusic
    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.
  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. 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.
  4. The Guardian
    80
    This could be one of the unexpected successes of the year. Play it very loud.
  5. 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]
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  6. PopMatters
    80
    At once ancient and modern.
  7. Pitchfork
    79
    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.

See all 11 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 2 out of 2
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 2
  3. Negative: 0 out of 2
  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.… Expand
  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.… Expand

Awards & Rankings

9
#9 Best Album of 2005