Antibalas Signs With Anti Records

By Robert Fox

Brooklyn’s neo-Afrobeat pioneers Antibalas announced a recording deal last week with the acclaimed independent Anti Records. Anti’s roster includes some of the most innovative and influential artists currently recording, including The Sierra Leone Refugee All-Stars, Michael Franti & Spearhead, The Coup, Tom Waits, Merle Haggard, Solomon Burke, Blackalicious and many others.

The Anti Records website announced that Antibalas is planning a March 2007 release, titled “Security,” which will “explore and unleash new sonic elements.” Anti Records adds that:

the new disc and label deal illustrate Antibalas’ penchant for taking chances, building on its acclaimed live shows, back catalog and genre crossing collaborations… Always looking to push their unique sound further, however, Antibalas recently entered the studio to record their fourth album with much-heralded musician/producer John McEntire…The seven new original compositions presented here illustrate perhaps a darker, more dynamic approach that’s guaranteed to shock and dazzle new and old fans alike. This is music that was made to linger long after the party’s over.

According to Anti, the track list includes the following titles:

01. Beaten Metal
02. Fillibuster XXX
03. Sanctuary
04. Hilo
05. War Hero
06. Ice
07. AGE

Antibalas just keeps getting better and better as the years progress, and I’m very much looking forward to hearing the new recording. Their signing with Anti represents another step forward for the Afrobeat Rennaissance that continues to build.