340 ML, MOVING ALBUM REVIEW (2003)
Written and narrated by Banzii Mavuso
340ml is an African musical group who originate from Mozambique, Maputo, but are now based in Johannesburg, South Africa.
Members: Paulo Jorge Chibanga (drums); Rui Soeiro (bass); Tiago Correia-Paulo (guitar); Pedro Pinto (vocals and melodica)
Genuinely "Jozambican". The band incorporates many different elements into their music including dub, jazz, ska, Afro-jazz and reggae. What stands out in their music is their signature phone-call effect signifying their inner-thoughts. The first track is deliciously flavourful with the sotho phrases.
Tract 2. Hang on to yourself. “There’s something sweet…” I’ve watched deejays drop this one watched as the crowd goes crazy. “You knock me over with your Kungfu smile.”
Relaxed but funky, these three boys with their cool names (their vocalist is called Pedro Da Silvo Pinto) float with slightly goofed smiles in their voices through 17 delicious African-tinged tracks.
Track 3 ‘Midnight’ is a classic in South Africa. When we hear “Friday night and I’m alone.” We already know who the artist’s were. A little mysterious but dope. I heard this song for the first time on my grandfather's couch on a Friday night on SABC Mzansi fo sho. The creative direction on this one is nostalgic, the desperate voicemail messages signifying ghosting, and the lyrics “I’ve been thinking about scoring after midnight driving.” Always gets me on a tizzy. The themes of journey and humankind's commonality, drift through the music like comforting companions, and the lyrics "340 million people go somewhere every day" are a frequent refrain.
Track 4. ‘What happens in between’ is one of my favorite songs. It pulls you into the emotion the band is conveying. That of reflection, melancholic but never depressing and deeply unique in their identity. Eclectic rather than inconsistent, 340ml borrow identifiable strands from various styles and weave them together in a bright, soft pattern of sound.
Track 5. Shotgun Backleft. Is upbeat, Dancey and funky.
There are a few hits to choose from here - from the rock shaped "Shotgun", to touching, catchy dub love ballads like "Hang onto yourself (Rachel)". Catchiness is a double-edged sword, of course. The song you love today because it's easy to learn could be infuriating when one line is stuck in your head three days later, especially if lyrics like 'Sometime' you will be a supermodel get on your nerves. 340ml can also get a bit too relaxed about their music at times... and drift off into experimental jams that could have been recorded live under the influence for all the production restraint shown. Pleasantly trippy stuff overall. Watch our YouTube review below: