“Vodun feel more like a tribe than a rock band; by committing to their live performances literally clad in Amazonian body-paint and evil-battling stage costumes, they possess a genuine edge as they blast off into the unknown fringes of fuzzy psychedelia”
The Sleeping Shamen
Amidst the rushing screams of Mother Earth; the pounding drums of Ouidah; the markets of Lomé and the open heart of Erzulie, there exists: VODUN.
Born of only 3 comes the embodiment of crushing noise intertwined with enrapturing harmonies…
Ogoun; from a new nation of spirits forged directly in fire, steel and blood – reflecting all the rage, violence and delirium that comes with rebellion. Drums, dancing, and rhythm are offbeat sharp and unforgiving, like the crack of a whip. Ogoun is in love with the noise of battle itself. In salutation, rum is poured on the ground then lit, and as the flames flicker, the beats play on…
Ghede; summons a tidal cacophony with his fingertips that wails and thunders into the resonant mountains. Notorious for wanting just one more smoke, or one more drink. A phallic deity: he sustains the living, increases their number, and resurrects the dead. Ghede performs the Banda dance, a gyrating dance in which one imitates the movements of copulation.
Oya; stormy emotions and tempestuous circumstances prevail, and Oya is the conductor at the centre of the destruction and chaos. Channelling spirits past and futures unknown – she unleashes the possession in other worldly chants and unearthly melodies. With big and open eyes she breathes, blows up her cheeks, then howls. Oya is the spirit of change, and she makes room for vibrant new growth.
Collectively, they are VŌDŪN, heavy, weird, soulful – and expectant of the abnormal.
