The Congotronics series has spawned a fervent following in the world of alternative rock and electronic music... and now that world answers back in musical form.

26 brand-new tracks from a wild mix of artists including covers, reworks and original compositions inspired by the electrifying "tradi-modern" sounds of Congotronics.


The unique music of Konono N°1, Kasai Allstars and other Congolese bands who play electrified traditional music (also known as "tradi-modern") has had a deep impact on numerous artists from the indie rock and electronic music scenes, who have reacted with unbridled enthusiasm.
 
Crammed has asked a carefully chosen list of musicians to come up with their own personal take on Congotronics. The result is this epic double album, consisting of 26 brand-new tracks inspired by the sound of the Congotronics bands: most of the contributions blur the boundaries between reinventions and covers, reworks and homages.

Much like its source material, this music is by turns serene, invigoratingly noisy or aimed squarely at open-minded dancefloors… yet always intriguing and in some way revelatory: this album pretends to be nothing other than a joyful homage to what has become a true phenomenon of contemporary music - but listen in, and maybe some unlikely musical bloodlines can be traced...

Featured artists include prominent US indie bands such as Animal Collective, Deerhoof, Andrew Bird, Megafaun, Oneida, Portland's AU, New York's Skeletons and Chicago's Allá, unique personalities such as Juana Molina, Jolie Holland and Glenn Kotche (of Wilco), London's mutant pop sensation Micachu & The Shapes, innovative electronic music producers such as Shackleton, Optimo and Bass Clef from the UK, and Germany's Burnt Friedman and Mark Ernestus (of Basic Channel and Maurizio fame), a rare appearance by the label's seminal band Aksak Maboul and many more. The Congotronics bands paid tribute to are primarily Konono No 1 and Kasai Allstars, but also Sobanza Mimanisa, Kisanzi Congo, and Kasai Allstars offshoots Masanka Sankayi and Basokin.