8/10

Listen to August 1791

The 7th album from the Haitian outfit brings us a listen themed around the slave uprising of 1791, and hosts old songs reinvented in new light with RAM’s trademark powerful drumming and swirling melodies.

Not surprising, each tune here shifts its focus to different areas and would likely be filed under unclassifiable. While the ceremonial “Danmbala Elouwe” is driven by singing and chanting, lively percussion and fluid guitars, later tracks like “Negres Katye Moren” are sitting closer to world music funk. “Dominikani (Pap Janm Bliye)”, one of the best here, then brings reggae influences to the table.

Other noteworthy moments include the atypical drumming and organ fun of “Dawomen Dako” and the meticulous attention to rhythm on the upbeat, dance friendly “Maledve O”. A vocally strong effort, songs like “Badji Feray” use call and response techniques for effect, and it works well across the entire record, and contributes to the memorableness of the affair.

Though by design August 1791 is a Haitian blend of vodou and Creole folk ideas with Western African sounds, it truly comes off like a cultural party album with plenty of vocal harmonies and thriving rhythm that occasionally takes nods at Caribbean music. Now two and a half decades old, RAM are still refining their brand of unique energy that makes this so irresistible.

Travels well with: Paul Beaubrun- Ayibobo; Lakou Mizik- Wa Di Yo