Sacred Lodge’s ‘Ambam’: A Primal, Hypnotic Exploration of Equatorial Guinean Heritage

Paris-based producer and sound artist Matthieu Ruben N’Dongo, under the moniker Sacred Lodge, has released his latest album, “Ambam,” a potent and unsettling sonic journey deeply rooted in his Equatoguinean heritage. This new album, a follow-up to his 2019 debut “Hijos Del Sol,” marks a significant escalation in intensity, transforming murky downtempo instrumentals into a raw, visceral exploration of identity and ancestral soundscapes. N’Dongo’s work is a compelling entry within the broader spectrum of music reviews, offering a unique counterpoint to the typical fare.

The Sonic Tapestry of ‘Ambam’

“Ambam” is characterized by its heady, hypnotic beats and swarming electronics, creating an uncanny atmosphere that is both disorienting and deeply captivating. N’Dongo draws heavily from his ethnomusicological research, focusing on the role of music in ritual contexts and his own heritage, particularly the traditions of the Fang people, from which his father originates. The album breathes with the spirit of field hollers and ritual chants, reimagined through a modern, often abrasive lens. While his previous work featured vocals primarily as textural elements, “Ambam” unleashes N’Dongo’s voice in full force, ranging from guttural, metal-esque growls to distorted screams and yelps, at times delivered with a panting, rap-like cadence. The opening track, “Wa Wa Ke Wa Wa Yi,” exemplifies this, featuring N’Dongo’s raw vocals juxtaposed with the smoky, seductive drawl of collaborator Sara Persico, amplifying the track’s unsettling ambiance.

Influences and Intensification

The instrumentals on “Ambam” are notably harsher than on his debut. N’Dongo expertly welds elements of horrorcore, industrial, and bass music into what are described as buzzing storms of noise. Yet, amidst the abrasive textures, several tracks are anchored by hypnotic drum patterns that possess an almost club-like energy, albeit in a distinctly experimental context. “Enêñ” stands out for its metallic, polyrhythmic percussion, while “A Bo Biboa” offers a more skulking, propulsive rhythm. Other pieces, like “Mongu Nnang,” featuring Cairo-based producer El Kontessa, veer into discordance, clattering along frenetically. At its most deconstructed, the music evokes the feeling of a malfunctioning computer game, dense and disorienting, challenging the listener at every turn.

A Resistance Fueled by Heritage

Matthieu Ruben N’Dongo’s project, Sacred Lodge, is more than just an artistic endeavor; it’s a deeply personal excavation of his roots. The geographical separation from Equatorial Guinea, influenced by its political context, serves as a significant source of inspiration for this musical project. “Ambam” appears to fuse historical truths with imaginary counter-narratives, hinting at a dystopian future while simultaneously expressing rage over the ethical and economic repercussions stemming from colonialism. This makes the album a form of resistance music, an unapologetic statement that rewards persistent listening, drawing the audience into its complex and often confrontational world. The critical reception has placed “Ambam” as an experimental album of the month, highlighting its unique position in the contemporary music scene, distinct from the more common reviews for movie, TV show, concert, or book releases.

Conclusion

“Ambam” is a challenging yet ultimately rewarding experience. Sacred Lodge has crafted an album that is both primal and futuristic, drawing strength from ancestral traditions while forging a sound that is undeniably modern and experimental. It’s a testament to N’Dongo’s ability to weave complex personal and cultural narratives into a compelling, albeit demanding, sonic tapestry. For those seeking music that pushes boundaries and delves into the intersection of heritage and electronic sound, “Ambam” is a vital listen, cementing its place among the year’s most distinctive album reviews.