There Must Be Another Way

Packing a punch with their post-pandemic offering, Manchester-based Agbeko’s There Must Be Another Way is a musical declaration of their place in the industry. From the first track to the last, this 12-strong collective is honing the Afrobeat, groove, psychedelic funk and political consciousness of 1970s Western African music by giants like Fela Kuti, Orchestre Poly-Rythmo de Cotonou and Ebo Taylor. The boisterous instrumentals in ‘Oscar’s Tune’ and ‘Terra Firma’ kickstart an urge to dance, while showcasing the band’s musicality. The project’s balance comes in songs like ‘Somebody Somebody’ and ‘All That I’d Turn Back For’ which are poignant and introspective, with lyrics by composer, clarinet and saxophonist Jamie Stockbridge (who wrote five of the six tracks alone, and co-wrote ‘Oscar’s Tune’ with guitarist Jamie Girling). The spectacular chemistry shared by this large band is electric and emotive, and the talents of each member/instrument are well-balanced in the mix. You can imagine this music finding a home in many settings, be it an upmarket jazz lounge, a downtown New York bar or a scenic drive – it will have you grooving, singing, and inspired to protest for a better society.