American listeners who were turned on to
Loketo's music by
Soukous Trouble will also find much to admire on
Extra Ball. Like its predecessor,
Ball is an optimistic and consistently danceable collection that comes alive thanks to driving percussion, consistently energetic vocals and
Diblo Dibala's lead guitar. (The guitar is a primary instrument in soukous and zouk.) There's nothing moody or brooding about
Extra Ball -- this is a band that thrives on fast tempos and good spirits. The members of
Loketo go for a consistently happy sound, and seem intent on making audiences feel the same. Interestingly, this CD was recorded not in Africa, but in Paris, which has attracted quite a few African musicians in the 1980s and '90s. Highly recommended. ~ Alex Henderson