Zenzile is a Dub band from Angers, France formed in 1996. They took their name from the famous South African poet & anti-apartheid activist, Zenzile Miriam Makeba. The band is made up of, at various times, Alexandre Raux, Erik Sevret, Javier Maillet, Jean Christophe Wauthier, Matthieu Bablee, & Vincent Erdeven.
Dub is usually an instrumental style, but the musicians of Zenzile are well-known for their leftist politics & often give voice to their beliefs lyrically with regular guest singers Jamika Ajalon, David Alderman, & Jean Gomis.
Zenzile is a forerunner in the French 21st Century Dub movement but their style is unique, incorporating rock, electronics, punk, soul jazz, even folk. Always riddim driven, each new release focuses on the bands musically superb talents. One never knows what an upcoming Zenzile release will sound like other than that it will be great.
In 1998, Zenzile self-released their debut, a four song EP Dub Promozione to introduce themselves to the world.
Amor y Coning
Nexus6
Long Ride
Amor y Coning (alternate take)
The following year they released their debut full-length on Crash Disques.
Dub Trooper
Dub Vendetta
Single Shot
Pyrrhus Victory
H-Air
Alkaline O.D.
Pumpin'
Warning
Sachem in Salem
Jumping ahead to 2002s Totem, it was released on Small Axe & is more indie rock influenced Dub, true to Zenzile's exquisite musical vision while reaching out to touch on sounds the band loved.
Pandora's Box
Smell the Roses
Morning Daylight
Open
Anti Bass Neighbourhood
Change
Close
Axis of Evil
Western Addict
She Landed Here
Lacrima
Enjoy,
NØ
Dub Promozione
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Sachem in Salem
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Totem
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I'm going to give 'Sachem in Salem' a listen. Your references to their leftist politics and Zenzile Miriam Makeba grab my attention. Many thanks.
ReplyDeleteBrian
Hope you enjoy. Thanks.
DeleteThanks NØ. I listened to "Elements" back along (which was OK) so will give these earlier recordings a bash!
ReplyDeleteMarkyD
Elements is a soundtrack to an art installation. It is quite unique in their catalogue. These earlier three are a good lead-in. All their music is top-notch, but as per the theme of Three Epics, many are unique to the time or purpose of the band.
DeleteThanks NØ. Great to see Zenzile here. Cheers
ReplyDeleteThanks, brother. Good taste on your part, as usual. More to come.
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ReplyDeleteThanks NO, it's like drinking from a firehose of musical goodness!