Ancestors

Erik Aliana’s search for a raw and vibrant aesthetic continues. The tracks on his new album are mainly devoted to saluting and celebrating ancestors and their relationship with nature, society, spirituality. In this rich epic, Erik sings in the vernacular — in English, French and pidgin "camfranglais". He deals in themes that fascinate or preoccupy him: nature, travel, encounters, movement, exile, death. His accomplished vocal technique bears the influence of pygmy polyphonies, and his innovative guitar playing is captivating and percussive. Erik has developed a special relationship with Debashish Bhattacharya, master of the Indian slide guitar, who joins him for some of the tracks. There is no conflict here between ancient and modern, only a perpetual quest and a fertile movement between yesterday and today.