Danse Divines

Danse Divines is the fourth album from this French duo with a sun-kissed Afropean lilt and beats ranging from disco to funk, from bossa to hip-hop and from zouk to electro. Female vocalists Sara Solo and Manone take the lead on a couple of tracks, with seasoned French musicians such as Florian Pellissieralso involved. ‘Jackson Pollock’ sounds more like a homage to Earth, Wind & Fire than to the painter, while ‘Inflation’, featuring Patrick Bebey on pygmy flute, could have been recorded by a male version of Zap Mama. ‘Redessiner’ calls to mind a French Roy Ayers and ‘I Salé’ bears the influence of The Isley Brothers’ ‘Summer Breeze’ era. The rather splendidly off-kilter beats of ‘Consentement’ mark the record’s most experimental moment. Best of all, however, is the delicious title-track. If its blissed-out harmonies and sparkling clarinet solo don’t put a smile on your face you would be advised to seek medical advice.