Denim. Rhinestones. Platforms. And a nu-funk groove that just won’t quit.
Sinkane et al took the stage Friday with “Come Together,” the opening track on his new album We Belong, out now on City Slang Records. With its thumping beat and bass complimented by powerful harmonies, it’s clear that the Free at Noon crowd, both on the air and in the room, were in for something special.
The Sudanese-American artist (otherwise known as Ahmed Gallab) got his start as a session musician for artists like Caribou and Yeasayer before embarking on a solo career. Now, he’s got a touring band made up of Dave Palazola on drums, Ronnie Lanziolotta on bass, Patrick Carr on keys and guitar, and Jessica Harp and Ifedayo Gatling on vocals. Oh, and on the side, Sinkane is the music director of the Atomic Bomb! Band, whose members feature David Byrne, Pat Mahoney, Money Mark, and Damon Albarn.
Though his speaking voice was soft, Sinkane’s vocals in this set were anything but. As the disco ball began to spin and the audience clapped to the beat, “U’huh” brought the groove to the World Cafe stage.
We Belong, which dropped April 5, is an album focused on community. It’s a love letter to the Black community and a break away from his previous, more self-focused work. Fusing krautrock, reggae, electronica, jazz and, of course, funk, Sinkane has created a sound that is simultaneously unique yet speaks to everyone.
As he rounded out today’s show with a fantastic performance of the We Belong’s title track, Sinkane made it clear he’s not done yet.
“Until next time – enchanté”