Last week’s musical highlight, Sotomayor’s Wabi Sabi, delivers a unique atmosphere that’s rarely matched in other albums. This distinct vibe reminded me of Charlotte Adigery and Bolis Pupul’s 2022 release, Topical Dancer, prompting a revisit to this intriguing record.

At first glance, these two albums may not appear closely related. However, both records are a dynamic fusion of electronic and organic sounds, crafted for pure dancefloor escapism. The seamless integration of their rhythms and tones suggests a shared musical essence.

Despite these similarities, notable distinctions exist. Adigery and Pupul’s music leans more towards rock influences and early electronic sounds, sometimes reminiscent of iconic acts like Talking Heads. Tracks such as “Ceci N’est Pas un Cliché” feature bass lines that compel listeners to let loose and revel in the music.

Moreover, Topical Dancer is far from being mere entertainment. Its politically charged messages are as potent as its musical elements. For instance, in “Blenda,” Adigery repeatedly questions, “Go back to your country, where you belong. Siri, can you tell me where I belong?” against a backdrop of rhythmic synth bass and vintage drum machine beats.

In “Esperanto,” she humorously critiques problematic remarks, advising alternatives like, “Don’t say ‘But I’m allowed to say that because I grew up in a black neighbourhood’, Say ‘My n……eighbour’,” prolonging the nnn sound to an uncomfortable extent. Similarly, she suggests, “Don’t say ‘White people can’t dance’, Say ‘Tom marches to the beat of a different drum’,” delivering the line with an almost comedic awkwardness.

Not every track is a direct challenge to societal issues. The album also features more lighthearted moments, such as the late-album piece “HAHA,” where Adigery sustains a laugh for nearly four minutes, only pausing to quip, “Guess you had to be there.”