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Following on from the successes of their first two LPs, 'Kalba' and 'Small Small', Isaac Birituro & The Rail Abandon return with the 'Kontonbili EP'. A collection of seven tracks that trace the traditional West African roots of their sound whilst adding their unique touch, largely courtesy of Isaac's xylophone, Sonny Johns' folky embellishments and the vocal prowess of powerful Ghanaian songstress Wiyaala. The lead single 'Hado Deeli' roughly translates to 'My Rival' and is a vibrant discussion between two rivals, one of whom is always making a fuss about anything and everything, even when things are all good! 'Gargar', with it's collaboration of xylophone, whistles, Wiyaala's effervescent vocals and relentless groove represents, quite literally, the band's 'joining together' for this EP. In contrast, 'I Know' sees Sonny Johns takes over lead vocal duties to lament the breakdown of a relationship accompanied by muted horns and Wiyaala's soothing backing vocals. 'Nimmbalia' continues in a mellow and reassuring tone before emerging as one of the most uplifting and simultaneously fierce cuts on the EP! The traditional version of 'Bawa' - the original take of which can be found on last year's 'Small Small' LP - strips things back a little, before culminating in a battle of xylophone, whistles and choir. 'Yeri Villa' has a wonderfully laid back, sun drenched feel with some truly beautiful vocal refrains, and finally - only available on the digital version - comes the deeply percussive and trance inducing 'Darpeny', rounding off a rather stunning EP from this cross continental outfit. All tracks feature Ghanaian singer, song-writer, model and actor, Wiyaala. With a strong fan base in Africa and beyond, 'the lioness' made her mark on Wah Wah 45s and BBC 6 Music last year when she featured on the A-listed 'Senye', described as 'perfection' by Annie Mac and 'pure joy!' by Tash LC. Tracklisting: A1. Hado Deeli (4:09) A2. Gargar (3:57) A3. I Know (2:52) B1. Nimmbalia (3:33) B2. Bawa (Traditional) (3:55) B3. Yeri Villa (3:31)
Isaac Birituro