Cut Hands: Afro Noise I Vol. 2 LP

William Bennett has described his Cut Hands project, a geographical rhythmic spectacular, as originating from his desire to inject ǃ_Haitian vaudou musicǃ_ and ritual drumming into a club set he was once doing in Glasgow's renowned Optimo venue. The record, coming a few years after and divided upon release into two volumes, is itself an exploration, a fusion of electronics and sourced, researched, traditional African forms of percussion (see Volume 1 review for a bit more exposition). The tracks on part two almost act as a calm after the storm, more ambient in parts, more conventional as a whole, still altogether as scintillating and suspenseful as the first though. And while a companion piece through and through, still has its own highlights, the ritual dance readiness of ǃ_Impassionǃ_, the tranquility of ǃ_Ezili Fredaǃ_, the epic final notes of ǃ_Rain Washes Over Every Thingǃ_. Again, a must-explore if you've been into anything from archival reissues of regional music to compilations of industrial dance hits.

• Music Label: Dirter Promotions 2012

reviewed by A. Tomorrow 04/2012