Valimbilo

If you’ve never heard of tsapiky music, this joyous set by Damily is a great place to start. The Malagsy five piece is the most renowned tsapiky band out there, and over their long career they’ve come to exemplify this fast, guitar driven style that is rooted in Malagasy tradition. Valimbilo is infused with a raw but uplifting energy, with  melodic guitar riffs and uplifting vocals juxtaposed to the relentless, frantic rhythms. Damily’s vibrancy never leaves out, even when the music is stripped down to just a guitar, like on the propulsive, bare-bones “Kalitaky.” A blissful, restorative listen.