Arka'n Asrafokor - folk 'n' groove from Togo

Arka'n Asrafokor

Dzikkuh

July 19 2024

The ten songs in 45 minutes by this band from Togo, in western Africa, herald further steps their in bounce-and-mosh interpretation of folk'n'groove that they officially began in 2019, when some audiences noticed their debut album Zã Keli. This 2024 sophomore work takes grooving heavy rhythms and puts them in a variety of tempos, vocals and percussions for an active, energetic production. The main rhythms work with mosh pit or physical motion vibes, making the music fun that way. Don't sit still, the band would prefer that the audience stand up and dance, mosh or move in some way. Fortunately, given that moshing or chugging grooves could eventually wear out their welcome, if they get boring and repetitive, the band does a good job of spicing up the songwriting. One way that audiences are kept on their toes are the percussive beats besides the regular, normal drumming. Of course, you will feel the expected barrage-attack drumming, but there are additional percussion sounds taking place that are new for the listeners. For example, there is percussion accompanying the usual hard drumming throughout the album, adding a fun, cheerful element to the ground-and-pound drumming. Another aspect that really adds personality to the music is the use of multiple vocal styles. The growl-scream that is so common can get old real fast, especially when there is very little personality and it just sounds like "some fat guy shouting from the belly." I certainly don't like generic "fat beer-belly dude-shouting" vocals, especially if that is all there is. Here, in contrast, there is melodic singing, and other melodic vocals to go with the normal shouting. There are some smaller things going on, like some rapping in some segments, although it is more like "sing-rap," if you will. Morever, check out the guitar melodies going on, too, so it is not all just chugga, chugga, chugging along. Sometimes they hit some thrashy riffs, and at other times they break out some leads or melodic licks. Overall, audiences will detect fun or catchy aspects to the album, upbeat vibes, and also good grooves for physical motion for when it's time get off your chair and get moving.

ARKA'N ASRAFOKOR - Final Tournament (Official Music Video)

ARKA'N ASRAFOKOR - Walk With Us (Official Music Video)

ARKA'N ASRAFOKOR - The Truth (Official Lyric Video)

ARKA'N ASRAFOKOR - Angry God Of Earth (Official Visualizer Video)

https://www.facebook.com/arkanasrafokor