Emmanuel Jal – Kuar review

Innervisions team up with German organization Media in Cooperation and Transition on this 12 inch offering two remixes of award winning Sudanese musician Emmanuel Jal by Henrik Schwarz and The Knife’s Olof Dreijer. Borne out of the MICT curated Sudan Votes Music Hopes album which featured Jal along with other notable Sudanese musicians, it’s a further attempt to promote international awareness of the upcoming referendum in January 2011 in which South Sudan residents will vote on whether to become an independent state or remain under the tutelage of a united Sudan. Innervisions stalwart Schwarz is on fine form, basing a typically hypnotic groove around a nagging bassline and singular key throb. An oscillating synth melody and rushes of strings add momentum and there’s a brilliant breakdown into the harmonious vocal refrain for good measure. Dreijer’s remix utilises the vocals brilliantly, crafting a deep bouncing melody that works so well with the off kilter syncopation and brushing drums. The usual golf claps to Innervisions also for the really well thought out sleeve design.

Tony Poland