Flee, an Athens-based archival label, has released Candomblé: Sacred Rhythms in Brazil, a compilation that pairs late-1980s field recordings of candomblé ceremonies from a community in Salvador with modern remixes. The album showcases the rhythmic barrage of candomblé, a Brazilian religious and musical tradition originating in the 19th century among enslaved west Africans, where polyrhythmic drumming induces spirit possession.
Side One: Raw Field Recordings
The first side features 10 ritual compositions captured on tape, complete with hiss and unbalanced sound. The recordings immerse listeners in the frenetic environment, with overlapping voices on "Ossaim" and a wailing male voice on "Xangô." Drumming dominates: clattering clave-style hits on "Ogum" and undulating bells and mid-tempo swing on "Entrada dos Orixás." The experience is fragmented but rhythmically infectious.
Side Two: Contemporary Remixes
The second side transforms these recordings for modern dancefloors. Brazilian producer DJ Anderson do Paraiso turns percussion into sparse baile funk on "Festa Iansã." French percussionist Vincent Taeger overlays drum kit breakbeats for a chugging funk odyssey on "O Santo da o Nome." Portuguese producer Xexa slows pace into dub-fuelled ambience on "Pluralidades." Swiss artist Jonas Albrecht stacks drum loops into a blistering seven-minute techno track, "All My Love." According to the label, the remixes give artists freedom to turn sacramental rhythms into fresh dancefloor rituals.
Other Notable Releases
Mexican producer Debit continues blending Latin American folk with club bass on Potpourri (Naafi), featuring trance synths and guaracha rhythm. Brazilian singer-songwriter Lau Ro’s Lau (Mexican Summer) combines bossa nova guitar, delicate vocals, and psychedelic reverb. French producer Akusmi’s Terra Incognita (Tonal Union) includes percussionist Sarathy Korwar and harpist Marysia Osu, updating spiritual jazz.
