Though Westerners find exotic thrills in a Congolese band that electrifies traditional instruments with junkyard scraps, Konono No 1 are seen by their countrymen only as Angolan-border refugees and unschooled day laborers. Formed in the early '80s, K1 adopted the speedy rumba shuffle that was later heard in more popular soukous but without its high-register guitars or clear production. Instead, their calling cards were shouted vocals, electrified kalimbas (thumb pianos) wired to used car parts, a pots-and-pans rhythm section, and megaphone loudspeakers: As such they have as much connection with Einstürzende Neubauten... More >>>