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Mouvman is Akiyo's second studio album and it's loaded with a lot of TNT per square inch. The combination of gwo ka drumming, vibrant vocal chant and response, and modern technological touches in the form of occasional synthesizer make for uplifting, hip-swaying music. Most of the compositions are based on ancient traditional rhythms that are given a modern treatment. Akiyo's fame has brought a resurgence in interest in gwo ka by the younger generation on the island of Guadeloupe. The Carnival group is enormous and the studio contingent is not that much smaller. The drumming is infectious and powerful. The drums roll in huge waves over the dancer and listener. They are like a huge vortex of percussion that hypnotically sucks one in. Along with the barrage of percussion, there are beautiful melodies that are given rhythmic thrust through call and response vocals. From the crack of the whip, "Blo" takes the listener on a swaying ride that is hard to resist. The dynamo generated by the percussive engine carries everything in its wake. The whip used at the head of the Carnival marchers is used to clear away the evil spirits. "Jenerasyon" speaks to the younger generation to hold to their roots and traditions in the face of turmoil. "Trip" is an eerie transporting track that simmers with a subtle heat. This album is not solo drumming. It is a massive wall of percussion embellished by soulful call-and-response vocals and techno tweaks of tasteful synthesized riffs. A truly unique album by a group of very talented people. If you would like an authentic taste of Guadeloupean Carnival with a modern twist, get this album. Highly recommended.
