Guedra Guedra-“Vexillology”: Album Review

Here’s a bit of back story to prime and hip you to you to Guedra Guedra and his great new album. Vexillology is the study of the history, symbolism and usage of flags or, by extension, any interest in flags in general.

Referring as much to Sub-Saharan as to North African cultures, Guedra Guedra presents a synthesis of his pan-African appreciation and a full immersion into the traditional rhythms of these lands, especially within the Berber culture which is found in countries such as his home of Morocco, and across Tunisia, Algeria, Libya, Northern Mali, Northern Niger and beyond.

The body of work is a complete celebration of cultural roots and future bass, bubbling in hotbeds of the global underground. Guedra Guedra is synonymously known for his ability to explore tribal rhythms and instruments of the past, as well as dancefloor innovations from contemporary underground scenes.

For “Vexillology,” and in true Guedra Guedra style, a myriad of immersive recording techniques were applied. The album is built upon a multitude of field recordings capturing live and ‘in the moment’ cultural happenings, encountered in everyday life, at tribal festivities and also on his travels.

Referring as much to Sub-Saharan as to North African cultures, Guedra Guedra presents a synthesis of his pan-African appreciation and a full immersion into the traditional rhythms of these lands, especially within the Berber culture which is found in countries such as his home of Morocco, and across Tunisia, Algeria, Libya, Northern Mali, Northern Niger and beyond.

The body of work is a complete celebration of cultural roots and future bass, bubbling in hotbeds of the global underground.

“When you use a studio to record, you won’t find the real emotion that you would in a natural environment or situation. Tribal music from Africa is a social practice, it must be played in a certain place, in a certain special moment and in the right environment, it’s not something that can be ‘recreated’ in a studio. So for me capturing these moments when they are actually happening is so important, because that’s the only way you can encapsulate the real rhythm of their practice.”— Guedra Guedra

“Archetype,” the first single released from “Vexillology,” dives straight into the traditional musicality of Guedra Guedra, the track is a reflection on the artistic form of dance being at the core of African cultural expression.

Exploring the rest of the album, you will come across different immersive scenarios, such as opening track “Seven Poets” which features sounds of nature, birds singing and group chanting, as well as the energetic “Aura” which was formed on the Zayan tribe cultural practice of “Ahidous,” where a circle of men and women sing, play bendir (wooden-framed drum of North Africa) and recite poems, in a repetition to create a collective trance and temporary utopia as new participants join.

With tribal consciousness being at the heart of “Vexillology,” Guedra Guedra uses traditional and ancient instruments throughout the body of work, most importantly that of voice, dance and clapping.

Tracks which hone in on this concept include the celebratory and dubstep infused “Stampede Step,” the warming and welcoming tribal sounds of Cercococcyx and also “40’ Feet,“ which layers the sound of traditional North African flute with clapping and soothing jazz undertones.

”Vexillology” is an open invitation into the universe of Guedra Guedra, which is characterised by relentless, euphoric, high-energy, genre-defying, future dance music. As you begin to listen to “Vexillology” it becomes quite clear that the sounds coming through the speakers are unique and exotic.

These are songs that most people are not all that familiar with and Guedra Guedra does a masterful job in enlightening the listener. The transition of the tracks are seemless and full of all kinds of electronic wizardry, vocals, percussion, shakers, hand claps, and jazzy piano chords. With “Vexillology” Guedra Guedra stays true to form blending the rhythms of North Africa and contemporary underground dance music, giving the world a truly and totally unique collection of songs. Add this gem of an album to your music library right now!

—Joseph Arthur

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