Cassava Groove Temple is a music collective consisting of artists from different geographical regions like Uganda, Sweden, Ukrain and the UK. Their approach is cross-continental and blurs inter-genre boundaries. Their debut self-titled EP “Cassava Groove Temple” released in 2020 and they are back in 2024 with their latest four track EP titled “Mountains of the Moon”.
The last track on the EP “Mountains of the Moon” titled the same has two distinct sonic palettes it switches back and forth between, displaying versatility and variety. It starts off with an extremely rhythmic bass guitar riff that makes the inclusion of the word “Groove” in the band name feel fitting. The synth and keys although subdued add an ethereal ambience to the echoed-out production style. The track makes use of pauses well and understands the process of breaking down and building up sonic elements to keep a listener engaged.
The incorporation of the flute brings forward a tonal shift along with a mysterious feeling. The use of sounds from nature such as raindrops or birds makes the track fit into an earthy realm. A sense of calmness and peace accompanies the hypnosis that is implemented using repetition as a device. The diversity of music from around the world along with the people who perform it on Cassava Groove Temple are reflected in the process of blending genres.
I would recommend listening to the entirety of the EP whose last track is “Mountains of the Moon”. Make sure to check out “Mountains of the Moon” by Cassava Groove Temple here:
