Music - Part 16 - Watcha Clan

Marseille based Watcha Clan have been quiet since the release of their ‘Radio Babel’ album last year.  They’re now back with a series of three digital only EPs, the first of which is ‘We Are One’.

Lead vocalist, Sista K is from Marseille and is backed by fellow band members from France, Corsica and Algeria.  Their sound brings together European and Middle Eastern sounds very successfully.

The EP contains five mixes of the title song.  This often scares me and seems like a bit of a cop out, but, in this case, the mixes are so different that it’s almost like listening to five different tracks.

We Are One is a catchy little thing, reminding me in parts of Where Is The Love by Black Eyed Peas.  One of those songs that you just can’t get out of your head.  The message of the song is along similar lines too – tolerance, no hate, no borders – but, it does have a huge appeal.

The first mix, by 4Hero, combines Trip-hop, Jungle and pop with hints of folk music too.  Marc Mac has taken the original version and filled it out to make it a great opener.

There’s a guitar riff on the Danochilango Remix that gives it a real bhangra and overall Asian feel – quite a departure from the first mix.

A return to Trip-hop and Jungle for the Hugo Kant Remix, before we’re treated to a Drum and Bass version thanks to MC Sufferah.  The pounding drum is brilliant and not to be missed.   There are impressive differences and additions to the mixes which stops them from being repetitive and boring.

The final version, and for me the best, comes in the shape of the Superpendejos Remix.  The track is turned into a great reggae piece embracing the songs message of connection and oneness.

All in all, an excellent EP.  In fact, the remixes differed so much that I played it three times in a row!  I for one will be awaiting their next two EPs with relish.


Published on Louder Than War 19/10/12 - http://tiny.cc/dbfhmw