Ibibio Sound Machine

“Pull the Rope”, the new album from Ibibio Sound Machine, shows the band of Eno Williams and Max Grunhard in a new light. The hope, joy and sensuality of their music remains, but with an edgier edge than their 2022 album “Electricity”. Their vibe shifts from sunny festivals to sweaty nightclubs. The atmosphere is different, but you will still have the time of your life. Make sure you are there on Tuesday, September 17 in BIRD!

This change is due to their collaboration with Sheffield producer Ross Orton (Arctic Monkeys, MIA). Eno and Max now wrote the songs together, after which the band was added. With less time in the studio and a new writing process, they made quick, instinctive choices for the sound of “Pull the Rope.” By combining their writing processes, Grunhard and Williams have made Ibibio Sound Machine tighter than ever before. Instead of recording with the entire band at once, “Pull the Rope” was formed piece by piece by Grunhard, Williams and Orton. The result is a sleek machine that, from the first note of the opening track, with Eno's otherworldly voice and PK Ambrose's pulsating bass, moves through a kaleidoscopic mix of house, post-punk, funk, Afrobeat and disco, making a plea for unity that starts on the dance floor. “Got to Be Who U Are” literally travels the world, while “Mama Say” and “Let My Yes Be Yes” touch on themes of female empowerment.