Antibalas
The Sway Machinery

Using the revolutionary blueprint of afrobeat as a launching pad, the dozen-strong members of Antibalas weave a rich tapestry of latin, jazz, classical, funk and soul into their rhythmic, horn-driven mix. Always looking to push their unique sound further, Antibalas recruited heralded musician/producer John McEntire (Tortoise, Stereolab, Tom Ze) to produce 2007's Security. The album was received with critical acclaim and high praise from critics and fans alike. As distinguished as their recordings may be, Antibalas has truly become renowned for their relentless live shows. The band has averaged over 100 concerts a year, incessantly traversing the U.S, Canada and Europe in venues large and small be they the sweaty clubs of Brooklyn or in front of hordes of festival goers around the globe in exotic places like La Reunion and the Canary Islands. It's not by chance the Village Voice exclaimed "their music is right on time," while The New York Times, the New Yorker, Rolling Stone magazine and a slew of others have taken serious notice. Last year, Antibalas spent their time working as arrangers, orchestrators, composers and performers for the Off Broadway show “Fela!”.

“Antibalas' Afrobeat sound scatters into so many hyphenated juxtapositions—polyrhythmic-Afro-Cuban-funk-dub-jazz?—that they've practically become their own genre.” - SPIN

“this is big-time party music, plain and simple.”
Rolling Stone

“delivers a treasure trove of eclectic beats, energetic sounds, political musings and agreeable voices that come together in a perfect musical statement.” URB

“Antibalas' Afrobeat sound scatters into so many hyphenated juxtapositions that they've practically become their own genre.”
SPIN