Sitar-driven funk in ‘Gunkali’ by Belgian group Alpacas Collective
Belgian global groove group Alpacas Collective releases new sitar-driven funk single “Gunkali” and announces upcoming 2nd album Big Words due out on November 11th on the group’s own label, Catalpas Records.
Following the release of their debut album Seven Wisdoms of Plutonia in autumn 2022, which received a warm reception worldwide on radios and blogs alike, Belgium’s Alpacas Collective is back with new single “Gunkali”.
Alpacas Collective bases its style on African influences and combines them with jazz and funk, as well as various other sounds from around the world. Their debut album Seven Wisdoms of Plutonia presented them as one of the leaders of the growing Belgian scene that combines Western music with music rooted in traditions throughout the globe.
“Gunkali” was written on a winter day after listening to the scale, it’s a straightforward raga, and can be executed freely. The band take the sitar melody into a funkier, more afrobeat direction with some hard-hitting horn lines and a dirty guitar theme. Frederik Kühn deserves massive production kudos for the fresh and uplifting sound of the track, it definitely makes you want to dance!
“Gunkali” out digitally on September 22nd 2023 via Catalpas Records