Bloc Party, Prince, MIKE: Boko Yout shares the music that was central to the inspiration of their new album, Gusto.
Boko Yout is a striking musical project. The brainchild of Togolese-Mozambican Sweden-based Paul Adamah, with support from his musical partner Joel Kiviaho, the work has been consistently progressive, idiosyncratic and infectious – none more so than this new record.
Gusto is a complex portrayal of personal and musical identity, boasting introspective, engaging songwriting and excellent vocal performances. Adamah and Kiviaho merge styles with ease, from ragged post punk to vibrant indie pop, grazing upon a sonic terrain that feels wholly unique but warmly familiar.
What inspired the work? Found out below in our latest On Repeat.
Listen to the album…
Boko Yout is On Repeat…
Bass Drum of Death – “Get Found”
Joel: Bass Drum of Death has an eclectic sound that has inspired me and Paul the DIY spirit and lo-fi crunch has influenced parts of our record.
Bloc Party – “Helicopter”
Paul: During the process of writing this album, Bloc Party became an obsession. Joel sent me this song and I’m shocked how I managed to miss out on their music during my teens? Better late than never. Can’t wait to see them live!
Prince – “America”
Joel: The master of the LinnDrum himself. We love the sound of this classic drum machine, and it was heavily used in the writing process.
Fontaines D.C. – “I Love You”
Paul: One of my dear friends tried putting me on to Fontaines D.C. for a while. She sent me their third album Skinty Fia and this song really stood out to me. The vocal delivery is beautiful, and the writing is stellar. I keep coming back to it.
Bob Hund – “Skräck eller lycka?”
Joel: One of Sweden’s best bands, without a doubt. Amazing synth melodies. Bob Hund’s quirky sounds and arrangements are a huge inspiration to me.
Fugazi – “Waiting Room”
Paul: An acquaintance approached me after a show and told us we reminded him of Fugazi. I’d never heard of them before, so I dove in headfirst and got hooked. There’s something about rowdy choir vocals that keeps me going and Fugazi got plenty.
SPLLIT – “Amite River”
Joel: One day Paul showed me ‘egg punk’, a microgenre born on the internet. I found this song and I’ve been in love with it ever since.
Liam Lynch – “United States Of Whatever”
Paul: Joel sent me this song and it became an inside joke during the process. It’s too good. Punchy, brash, genius. I heard it was improvised too which makes it even better.
Stereolab – “Brakhage”
Joel: An amazing album! Stereolab’s cross-genre discography and productions is something I can’t get enough of.
MIKE – “Hunger”
Paul: MIKE is a generational writer. This level of unguarded expression is admirable to me and I keep coming back to his music for comfort. He definitely inspired the more confessional aspects of our album.
