Quasi

On their second album London based Cuban/Iranian (and Canadian, after a line-up change) quartet Ariwo draw on the spiritual force of Sufi mysticism, Yoruba rhythms, Afro-Cuban percussion, and Spiritual jazz and transpose it to the dancefloor — our modern day church. Quasi is more club-oriented than their debut, but no less hypnotic. If anything, the stripped back production and dark electronic soundscapes make this an even more immersive listening experience. The musicians capture the improvisational energy of their live sets, infusing the record with a feeling of flux and flexibility, but it all unfolds so naturally that it draws you in and keeps you there. An absorbing, meditative listen.