This 2023 release is the first new music from the band in over 40 years. It is also the first album since 1976 to feature front man and co-founder Emmanuel “Jagari” Chanda. Joined by a younger band of European musicians who breathe new life into the music, the album retains classic elements of the band’s signature sound, even with an analog recording feel. The title “Zango” refers to a central meeting place in Zambian villages where the community can gather, and exchange ideas and learn from each other.
W.I.T.C.H. (We Intend to Cause Havoc)
Bolero!
W.I.T.C.H. recently played a free outdoor show at the Jerry Garcia Amphitheater in San Francisco. This “Zango” community feeling was present at the concert, as people of all races and ages, including children, could be seen dancing and enjoying the positive atmosphere of the performance. After their initial set, the crowd almost wouldn’t let them stop playing, encouraging a huge encore after the promoter took the stage to remind us that they flew all the way from Africa and Europe to play at this event. A huge dancing crowd of people joined the band on stage with them for the last jam, clearly enjoying the perfect outdoor show and community vibe as the sun started to get lower in the sky, casting a warm glow over the audience and stage.
The new album is equally impressive. On the album’s opening track “By the Time you Realize”, the band is right back into it. This album is the future of “Zamrock,” but rooted in the past with driving percussion and heavy guitar riffs. There is a metal edge to the music one can hear from the 70s influence of bands like Black Sabbath. Every song on the album is unique, almost a collection of singles, playing great from beginning to end. Each song has a distinct percussive drive, with soulful and positive lyrics and layers of synth effects at points. A disco and afro beat influence can be felt on some of the songs from their 80s era. A song like “Avalanche of Love” has a guitar riff that could be on their first album, but with a modern hip hop element as well from guest vocalist Sampa the Great. “Stop the Rot” has thick phased riffs, while “These Eyes of Mine” has more of an emotional plea in its lyrics, showing the range of the band’s musical style and influences. The last track “Message from WITCH,” is a groovy instrumental with spoken word. The band themselves, and Zamrock with it, has been “resurrected from its decadent slumber” like a phoenix, while denouncing racism and homophobia, reminding us of the universal message of love. This is a solid album start to finish, and one of the most enjoyable live shows I’ve been to in a long time with a great community of fans and followers.
Social Media Links:
instagram.com/weintendtocausehavoc
facebook.com/weintendtocausehavocfilm
