Explosive energy
"After all the hype around HCE’s 2013 debut, the expectations were high for the follow-up. Luckily, the 11-member Finnish-Beninese collective manages to meet these high expectations..."
After all the hype around HCE’s 2013 debut, the expectations were high for the follow-up. Luckily, the 11-member Finnish-Beninese collective manages to meet these high expectations on the sophomore album. Although the new album lacks some of the rawness of the debut that charmed listeners, the same explosive energy is heard through the more polished production.
Janne Halonen and Noël Saïzonou’s compositions are sophisticated without being too progressive – at times even very catchy. This album presents a matured band and a refined version of the band’s particular brand of jazzy and funky Afrobeat. The band seem to have benefited from their extensive touring in Finland and abroad.
HELSINKI-COTONOU ENSEMBLE
Fire, Sweat & Pastis
NPM02