On Our Own Clock

★★★★

On Our Own Clock MUSHROOM HOUR HALF HOUR/TOTAL REFRESHMENT CENTRE. DL/LP

Inspiration runs rife as kindred spirits from South Africa, Senegal and London combine. DESPITE PLANS to collaborate in person rendered null and void by you-know-what, On Our Own Clock pressed ahead with their debut regardless: files from one-day sessions in Johannesburg and London exchanged and responded to a calendar month later. Skip the three time-stamped interludes and you’re inducted into a harmonious meeting of like minds where spiritually uplifting, groove-based highlights Dune Dance and Cuts And Pieces make good on Alabaster dePlume’s whirling sax, Siya Makuzeni’s (pictured) sly trombone and Tebogo ‘AusTebza’ Sedumedi’s corkscrewing bass lines. Add in Tarang Cissoko’s soothing kora, Danalogue’s swerving keyboards, Grandmaster Cap’s low-rumbling rapped positivity and the room-rattling skills of tuba don Theon Cross, and On Our Own Clock is a serene and spacious refuge where it’s nigh impossible to hear the joins.