Pierre Kwenders José Louis and Paradox of Love

Arts & Crafts Productions

Congolese-born, Montreal-based musician, songwriter, and DJ Pierre Kwenders’ music is full of energy, life and colour. His third LP, José Louis and Paradox of Love takes an all-encompassing approach to capturing the joy across the world in a wonderfully eclectic collection. The record straddles multiple genres, uses an array of instruments, includes multiple collaborators and was recorded in multiple cities, including Montreal, Lisbon, Seattle, New York City, Philadelphia, and New Orleans. Kwenders sings and raps in several languages, including Lingala, French, English, Tshiluba, and Kikongo. The result is an album that feels completely free and unrestrained. Moving between pop, electronic music, rumba, hip-hop, rap, Afrobeat and subtle elements of jazz, this is an ever-shifting soundscape that blends seamlessly laidback grooves, energetic rhythms and sun-kissed vocals. The swinging basslines inject a party, fun-filled atmosphere, which is only ramped up by the expressive vocals that flood the record. Catchy guitar hooks join sax, shimmering trumpets, classy violin, cello, synths and the Mbira to drive this vivacious and, at times, raucous record. Kwenders’ skilled, nuanced blend of Afro-inspired electronic sounds is a triumph, conjuring a lifeaffirming sense of the interconnectivity of us all.

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9/10