Albums to watch

Assume Crash Position

Konono No 1

Assume Crash Position

Second album from Congolese band whose signature sound comes from massed amplified likembes (thumb pianos)

ADM rating[?]

7.7

Label
Crammed
UK Release date
17/05/2010
  1. 9.0 |   musicOMH

    Assume Crash Position is certainly not an album for every taste, but the adventurous musical globetrotter will find its rhythm infectious
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  2. 9.0 |   PopMatters

    Whether it is the trance-summoning bleeps, whistles, and samba-esque drumming of “Fula Fula” or the intimate invitation of Mingiedi’s solo closing number, the music of Konono No. 1 continues to demand involvement on the part of the listener. This is glorious noise
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  3. 8.5 |   Daily Telegraph

    More ambitiously produced, featuring some mind-warping stereo effects
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  4. 8.0 |   BBC

    Assume Crash Position doesn’t have the immediate impact of Congotronics, but it shows Konono are still morphing and innovating, led by a spirit of discovery – and whatever they find and pick up along the way
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  5. 8.0 |   The Quietus

    Eight tracks of hip-shaking whistle-making fanfare, relentless riffs and the kind of African rhythms now once again appropriated by contemporary avant-rock music
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  6. 8.0 |   Uncut

    Contributions from guitarist Manuaka Pepe Felly and members of Kasae Allstars crank up the general air of euphoria even further. Print edition only

  7. 8.0 |   NME

    They twist traditional Bazombo trance music intro a relentless groove. Print edition only

  8. 8.0 |   Mojo

    Played next to Congotronics, this sounds in part like the work of a whole different band, yet the buzz and fizz still thrill. Print edition only

  9. 7.0 |   Spin

    Even with enhanced production, Konono still sound like high prophets of lo-fi magic. Don't expect variety, though. It's all about the trance
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  10. 7.0 |   The Line Of Best Fit

    A group to be savoured live, Assume Crash Position does not so much cement the individual nature of this theatrical band, as it sees them relinquish part of their individual make-up – perhaps with an outlook to appeal to a wider audience
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  11. 5.7 |   Pitchfork

    The formula beats all of the divergences - and that may mean that recording this magnificent band in the studio a second time was superfluous
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