Superpowers’ ‘Revival Time’: intelligent booty shakin’

From the driving tone of the talking drum on “Revival Time” to the solid go-go bell framework on “Abami Eda,” Boston and New York City-based Afrobeat band, the Superpowers have created a unique and funky album that any band should be proud of.

The album, also called “Revival Time,” smokes right from the start with a title track that is both frantically-paced and witty. The horns are practically cohesive enough for James Brown’s band-R.I.P. If Brown were still able to catch one of their shows, there’s no doubt he’d be on the dance floor in a heartbeat.

The tightness of the Superpowers is evident in its polyrhythmic grooves, which often involve two snake-like guitar lines, a thumping bass line, chordal organ spurts and a drum beat that is African in origin but rocks harder than your daddy’s Clapton collection. The music is also laden with percussion, claves and shekeres.

“Cosmic Spiral” is incredibly soothing with Indian drones that transport the listener to the Far East. The horn harmonies and pedal effects keep the song pretty western in nature, but the African rhythms say otherwise-resulting in some wonderfully tense moments.

“Moonlit Heart” is similarly chill, if not more so. There is an airy element to the horns’ timbres that is reminiscent of the golden age of ’70s funk.

“Savannah” has a terrific introduction, which features busy percussion and a sudden bass drop that makes it pretty hard to not dance in your seat. The alto saxophone solo by Nick Videen is also superb.

Band founder and drummer Adam Clark, who originally hails from Roanoke, has put together a talented troupe to help Afrobeat flourish. Fans of Fela Kuti’s music will appreciate the Superpowers for being true to the form of the music, as well as taking chances through clever composition, electronic elements and a huge sound that is epically upbeat.

Grade: A +

Download (don’t steal): “Revival Time” by the Superpowers