Review
"Your Queen Is a Reptile" is an invigorating third studio album by Sons of Kemet, released in March 2018. Under the leadership of Shabaka Hutchings, this album boldly weaves political statements with profound cultural reverence through its avant-garde jazz composition. Hutchings, with Theon Cross on tuba and the powerful dual drumming of Seb Rochford and Tom Skinner, delivers a musical expression that deeply connects with the African diaspora while incorporating a cutting-edge, contemporary sound. Each track in the album is named after influential black women such as Harriet Tubman and Angela Davis, making each piece a tribute to these "alternative queens" and transforming the album into both a celebration of heritage and a monumental historical and cultural statement.
The sonic landscape of "Your Queen Is a Reptile" is thrillingly eclectic, blending Afro-Caribbean rhythms, elements of dub, punk, and Latin jazz into an explosive mix of sounds. The polyrhythmic beats crafted by Rochford and Skinner drive the album with unstoppable momentum, while Cross's tuba enriches the texture, often filling in spaces typically occupied by bass. Shabaka Hutchings’s saxophone pierces through with both meditative and ferocious passages, showcasing his unparalleled musicianship. This innovative blend and the powerful messages embedded within led to widespread critical acclaim, including a nomination for the 2018 Mercury Prize and topping The Wire magazine's annual critics' poll. Sons of Kemet's "Your Queen Is a Reptile" not only challenges musical norms but also serves as a resonant call to political and social consciousness. - Stephanie
