Comprised of seven members with a unique collective vision, Mahjongg makes Africaninspired left-wing dance music. The group speaks of a Matrix-inspired struggle between “The Grid” and “The Sphere,” and it gathers in performances dubbed “warning orbs.” Kontpab, a concept album on K Records, is the group’s second full-length.
Named after the ancient Chinese game of strategy, Mahjongg covets the asset of human knowledge. Much darker and moodier than their previous work, this record brings their ideology—the power of science and love—to the forefront. They do it with a haphazard approach. Musical ideas are all over the place, making the album hard to appreciate upon first listening. Their previous albums have been consistent in chaos, and Kontpab is no different in that regard.
Among tribal rhythms and chaotic noise is “Those Birds are Bats,” an energetic pop song with little production. Its initial lo-fi elements are similar to the band’s label-mates and devolve into guitar patterns that would make Lou Reed proud. “Tell Police the Truth” is a fine mess of keyboard samples and unpredictable time signatures, whereas “Kottbusser Torr” is a danceable number reminiscent of the ’80s post-punk movement.
– Kristine Capua
Mahjongg: www.myspace.com/machinegong
K Records: www.krecs.com