A deluge of five excellent releases dropping this month.

1. A Tribe Called Red – Free Album Download

We spoke about Canada’s A Tribe Called Red before when they were discovered over at Masalacism. They’re doing something highly unique, blending the music of their Native American heritage with deafening 2012 beats. Dropping today, grab their free album now from the link above.

2. Schlachtofbronx – ‘Dirty Dancing’ (Buy)

Munich’s tropical party terrorists, Schlachtofbronx, have just released their second album, ‘Dirty Dancing’ while caring for their new lambs. Rather than relying on a relentless barrage of club heavy tracks, the record is pleasingly diverse with all kinds of influences from mid 90s dancehall to footwork. My favourite track is ‘Apizaco’ a bouncy Andean Huayno inflected tune that I can’t get enough of.

Bola – Tigantabame from Awesome Tapes From Africa on Vimeo.

3. Bola – ‘Volume 7′ (Awesome Tapes From Africa)

Awesome Tapes set a high standard last year with their excellent debut from Ivory Coast’s Nâ Hawa Doumbia. The follow up record from Ghana’s Bola was originally released in Ghana on cassette & cd in 2008 but is now having a re-release on April 7th. Bola’s music soars with impassioned vocals of ancient griot story telling vocals to pounding electronic drum sounds. As it says on the tin, Awesome. Pre order it here.

4. Batida – ‘Batida’ (Sound Way)

I mentioned that Batida recently signed to Sound Way and have just released their excellent debut album of melodic 70s Angolan semba sampling kuduro. Its an end to end winner. The album is buyable from Sound Way and if you’re in London be sure to catch Batida’s UK live debut on April 20th. Details here.

If you liked the fierce kuduro bars of MC Sacerdote on our single release by Batida, Yumbala,check out this new video shot in the streets of the Sambizanga neighbourhood of Luanda. Shot by the dudes at Stocktown.

Sacerdote – FALASTE O QUE music video from Stocktown on Vimeo.

SPOEK MATHAMBO – LET THEM TALK from spoek mathambo on Vimeo.

5. Spoek Mathambo – ‘Father Creeper’ (Sub Pop)

Spoek’s debut record on legendary Seattle label Sub Pop swirls with dark trippy flavours that he’s become known for. Its not an obvious record but i’m loving his unpredictability and even feeling the indie rock tracks like ‘Let them talk’ (free download on his site). Check out this interview at OkayAfrica. Buy the album here.