Clash The Clash Playlist The Bongolian Outer Bongolia

Published on 1st April 2008 (UK)

Media title : Clash

The bongo isn’t the most fashionable of instruments, less nu-rave and more old-smellybeatnik, but that hasn’t deterred Nasser Bouzida, AKA The Bongolian, from using it as the keystone for a rhythmic Odyssey. Begun whilst still a member of Mod-groovers Big Boss Man, The Bongolian is an outlet for Bouzida’s own musical vision, drawing influences from jazz, funk and soul this is music aimed at moving feet and stirring souls. The third album under this pseudonym, ‘Outer Bongolia’ is perhaps the most accomplished yet. Boasting guest appearances from, among others, garage chanteusse Holly Golightly, the album moves from genre to genre but never loses cohesion. Aside from his rhythmic dexterity, Bouzida also takes care of the keyboards on ‘Outer Bongolia’, ,anaging to go from Jimmy Smith to Giorgio Moroder in the space of a few tracks. Opener ‘Talking Synth’ proves you can blend ’60s rhythms with modern instrumentation, while ‘Lucky Seven’ proves that easy listening can be anything but. For an album based around one instrument its range is startling, The Bongolian seemingly willing to meet any demand given by the dancefloor. Forget your preconceptions, this is the REAL incredible bongo band.