8/10

Since releasing his much-loved 'Mean Love' album back in 2014, the life of Sinkane aka Ahmed Gallab has taken some very drastic turns. For the last few years, he has found himself at the front of The Atomic Bomb Band, the outfit put together to perform the works of reclusive electro-funk artist William Onyeabor. But now the frontman and producer has returned to his own project to release his latest full-length, and it appears that his time in charge of a eclectic ensemble has certainly had an influence on his new material.

While 'Mean Love' was much more of an electro-pop record with a strong Sudanese twist, this new release sees him adopt a stronger live band presence. With less reliance on pre-programmed loops, 'Life & Livin' It' has this much richer sound throughout a diverse instrumentation. While there is definitely an Onyeabor influence on this new record, Sinkane has still managed to project his own sensibilities onto it and the result is a wonderful hybrid of lively, upbeat rhythms and jams.

Possibly more westernised than his previous work, 'Life & Livin' It' is most definitely the songwriter's most accessible record to date. Relying on a catchy simplicity, Sinkane has returned with a gem of a record that simply needs to be heard.