‘Boston’s Ethiopian Groove Collective’. Conjures images of college-town trust-fund crusties, no? Well thankfully, Debo Band are very much better than their tagline would have us believe.
‘Asha Gedawo’ is a stunning rework of a track originally popularised by Ethiopian star Mahmoud Ahmed. The original, a half-time lilt that suggests endless lazy afternoons, has been entirely repurposed by Debo Band. In the ten-piece’s hands the song becomes a frantic, celebratory eruption, full of playful brass and that time signature – at some points falling towards a tango, at others close to four-on-the-floor exultation.
‘Asha Gedawo’ is taken from Debo Band’s forthcoming debut album, out 10 July on Next Ambiance/Sub Pop. Keep an eye on Best Fit for more from the band soon.
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