Karen Willems - JUJU (2024) [Official Digital Download]

Everything is connected. Not just in the grand scheme of things, but also in the colorful universe of Karen Willems. A lifelong quest for profound experiences through organizing sound led to the crucial Terre Sol-series of tapes in 2020. Out of that fertile well, Grichte (2022) was born. A double LP that presented Willems as an original explorer as well as a committed bandleader, it was her boldest statement to date.

Juju continues the work done on the second half of that album, with Terre Sol Four: Willems’voice, drums, percussion objects, keyboards and field recordings accompanied by the saxes of Marc De Maeseneer, Vincent Brijs and John Snauwaert. It was already something to behold on Grichte, swerving from introspective exploration to expressionist riff rock and semi-Dadaist avant-garde. On Juju, the four-piece digs even deeper and the results are utterly spellbinding.

Willems’ recent work combines relentless artistic experimentation with a commitment to broader socio-political issues. In essence, she tries to set up a discussion with her surroundings, reminding ourselves of responsibilities in these hectic, self-centered times. The refugee crisis is one theme, ecology awareness another, and it’s hard not to consider “Voor De Stranden Verdrinken” (“Before The Beaches Drown”) a caustic warning.

The music on Juju remains as adventurous as before, but this time around, the playing feels even more confident, diverse and punchy. There are rich vocal arrangements, roaring saxes and sweeping melodies. Eccentricity and playfulness go hand in hand with exercises in tension and release, and calls for connection in antisocial times.

Juju fits perfectly in Willems’ output and it is perhaps her most consistent release yet. It’s infectious as hell, carefully crafted, packs a punch and more accessible than ever before. It’s the sound of an artist at the peak of her powers, not just expanding her range, but digging deeper with obvious glee. It’s not just intriguing; it’s inspiring to witness.

Karen Willems: drums, percussion, vocals, synths, field recordings
Marc De Maeseneer: bariton sax
John Snauwaert: tenor sax
Vincent Brijs: bariton, tenor sax

Also appearing:
Nabou Claerhout: trombone (#1,#5, #7)
Kapinga Gysel: backing vocals (#2, #8)
Filip Wauters: cigar box, slide-electric guitar (#2, #8)
Esther Lybeert: backing vocals (#8)

Tracklist:
01 - Voor De Stranden Verdrinken
02 - Tako Deli
03 - Nuuki
04 - Fuzzy Williams
05 - The Woo Woo Room, Dance Back In Style
06 - Koortsdromen
07 - In Open Veld
08 - Come Vai
09 - When Daytime Lands


Thanks to the Original customer!