Benga - Diary Of An Afro Warrior

In many ways “Diary Of An Afro Warrior” is simplistic, but it’s to the point, which is its real quality. The beats are crisp and the synth’s bleep out like Morse Code. The clean, heavy sub-basslines seem to be the main focal point and are the driving force behind the overall sound.

Unlike Burial's dark narrative, which I love, Benga brings a vibrant, crunked up, instrumental sound that is more suited to clubs than darkened bedrooms. He wants to get you moving and none more so in the track “Night”, which could be the best single of 2008. Still early days though.

You’ll uncover many different styles and influences here, that work well together. African beats, tribal chants, techno keys and dub basslines on “Light Bulb”. Classic IDM akin to Luke Vibert on “Someone 20”. Techno mixed with Dub, there is a lot going on, blurring genres and it works. It’s yet another unique angle on Dubstep.

Considering that this is his first full album its amazingly well accomplished. There is not one weak track on this album, which is an accolade in itself, 14 tracks of solid gold is some achievement.

The first real stand-out dubstep album of 2008.

86/100

emusic / boomkat