Named after the Goddess of War, Athena, brings the full armoury, locked and loaded, in one of the most divine listens of the year. With Basslines that make you feel like you’re floating and subtle harmonies that bring the angels down from the heavens, Sudan Archives radiates that goddess vibe.
In her album artwork, we see a glimpse into her Afro roots, paying homage to the controversial work of ‘Black Athena’ by Martin Bernal in a beautiful and classical way. Violin at the ready, the subject of the sculpture is a strong symbol of who Sudan is.
The record, filled with looping violins and sensational vocals, complements the image perfectly. Sweet finger plucked strings start your dive into Athena, filling you with this sense of avant-garde innocence. In its melodies you can just hear it’s crystal clear echo, smoothly gliding from one track to the next. And god, in the track ‘Honey’, her voice is delicious – no wonder why bees spend their lives obsessed with the stuff.
In only 38 minutes, we’re taken to the plains of something new. Sudan Archives has mastered the inclusion of a violin in 21st Century music. Not using it as a 5 second gimmicky bit before usually a shitty chorus kick in. Nah, she redefines it and archives it as her own, manipulating and blending Afro-music and futurism to be something wholly hers.
I mean, I would never have believed she was self-taught at the violin… if anything she’s the teacher ALL deserve.
Haiku Review
Oh, Goddess of War,
To say you like violence,
You’re quite a sweetheart,
Listen to Athena on Spotify and Apple Music, and grab our latest mag HERE
