It’s difficult to listen to Ottawa-based indigenous-electronic fusion group A Tribe Called Red and not think, “Why has no one done this before?”
Nation II Nation is the sophomore release of the self-proclaimed “Pow Wow Step” trio from Ottawa, consisting of Ian “DJ NDN” Campeau, Dan “DJ Shub” General and Thomas “Bear Witness” Ramon. Their music blends Hip-Hop, EDM and First Nations music with such unique flavour it has caught the attention of music connoisseurs worldwide.
The group’s introduction came in the form of a 2011 mix-tape, but A Tribe Called Red had previously been active in the Ottawa music scene curating the Electric Pow Wow, a monthly club night which features both Electronic and First Nations music under the same roof. Now, after two albums, dozens of shows worldwide and even a few notable collaborations with groups like the now-defunct Das Racist, A Tribe Called Red appears to have hit their stride.
And it makes sense. Utilizing the driving power of Native American drumming, ATCR build a foundation of simple yet powerful rhythms, then layer it with 808s, tight hip-hop snares and lush synth lines. Melodies are then sung over top by singers with names like Black Bear, Sitting Bear and Northern Voice. They give the tracks life, and turn each song into something deeper as a musical, cultural and political tool.
Nation II Nation also represents a progression from ATCR’s previous releases, channeling more moombahton and trap than the now often overwrought dubstep and electro-house. Opening with a nearly synth-less drum-and-vocal track, “Bread & Cheese” (feat. Black Bear), the album introduces the listener to indigenous music in an electronic context, complete with filter effects and beat drops.
As the album progresses it becomes a totally immersive experience, and even without knowing a single word of the lyrics, it becomes easy to fall into a trance of the beats and emotional vocal delivery.
Truly, Nation II Nation succeeds on every level. Musically, the album is exciting, entertaining and could rival mainstream contemporaries Deadmau5 and Drake in both writing and production value. Politically, A Tribe Called Red have been able to direct their newfound attention to indigenous rights issues through movements such as Idle No More.
But most importantly, Nation II Nation succeeds as a cultural piece, not just for members of the First Nations, but for Canadians as a people. A Tribe Called Red are proof of this country’s diversity, creativity, and ability to come together under one big umbrella and just dance.