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Atomic Bomb! At The Greek Theatre: Show Review

Samuel Schulte |
May 11, 2014 | 8:19 p.m. PDT

Staff Reporter

Decades after the release of his otherworldly music, William Onyeabor has finally reached international stardom.

In the late 1970’s and early 80’s, filmmaker/businessman/preacher/musician Onyeabor self-recorded and pressed a series of synth-driven funk albums that have resurfaced via crate-digging DJ’s. 

Just last year, David Byrne’s world-music label Luaka Bop reissued his music on a compilation entitled "Who is William Onyeabor?," a beautiful record that officially brought the mysterious recluse into the international spotlight. Now, Byrne leads an all-star band including Alexis Taylor of Hot Chip, Sinkane, Kele Okereke of Bloc Party, Money Mark, Pat Mahoney of LCD Soundsystem, and the legendary Lijadu Sisters as "ATOMIC BOMB!." 

Last night at the Greek Theatre, Byrne and co. enthusiastically covered Onyeabor’s funky catalogue in an evening of celebration and dancing. As Sinkane led the house band into a rendition of "Body and Soul," the audience immediately jumped out of their seats and boogied for the next two-plus hours.

Rollicking through these Afrobeat tunes, the rhythm section held tight grooves that gyrated and pulsed through the elongated songs. With a disposal of keyboards to play with, Beastie Boys contributor (and Los Angeles native) Money Mark stole the show with tasty melodies and a contagious energy. 

Soon, more members were joining the stage, with Alexis Taylor sharing his confidently tender vocals on a key Onyeabor track "Atomic Bomb." While the evening could have been superfluous and self-indulgent, members like Taylor channeled the understated aspects of the mysterious musician. The legendary Lijadu Sisters also helped authenticate the affair, singing backup and taking over for renditions of their classic tunes, like ‘Danger.’

When Sinkane introduced "Uncle David," the crowd and band erupted. An absolute legend, the Talking Heads founder helped spread the magic and joys of world music to a wider audience and his particular enthusiasm and jangly guitar kept the show in high spirits. Byrne led awesome covers of "Love Me Now" and "Fantastic Man," keeping the crowd and band energetic and joyous. 

Closing out with "Better Change Your Mind" and "When The Going Is Smooth & Good," Atomic Bomb! successfully channeled the positivity and beauty of William Onyeabor himself. This once-in-a-lifetime event will not be soon forgotten by the concert attendees or by the band members, who appeared even more appreciative and lucky than the people who paid to see the show.  

Read more of NT's show reviews here.

Reach Staff Reporter Samuel Schulte here.



 

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