Chopping Mountain LP

Tracks click into place like gears catching before they let go on Chopping Mountain, Ibibio Sound Machine's sixth album and the first time since 2019's Doko Mien that saxophonist and keyboardist Max Grunhard has produced the band alone. Frontwoman Eno Williams and her London bandmates built it at their own Vanguard Studios in South London out of loose jam sessions centered on grooves and individual instruments. Dele Sosimi of Fela Kuti's Egypt 80 guests on CD/digital bonus track "Give Me Peace," while this vinyl carries the disco-leaning single "Concept of Love" that sets the album's tone.