The debut EP Lagos Paris London from Yannis & The Yaw, the collaborative project between Yannis Philippakis and the late Afrobeat legend Tony Allen, is here.
Aptly titled Lagos Paris London to reflect the capital cities where the partnership developed and the location of the French studio where the EP was recorded, the album has been described by the Foals frontman as an “unexpected but fruitful addition to [Tony Allen’s] incredibly impressive catalogue.” The project also marks an unexpected fusion of pan-African and indie influences, while marking the start of a new, globally-inspired artistic direction for Greek-born Philippakis.
With the passing of Allen back in 2020, the project was at that point only partly complete. One of the greatest challenges for Philippakis was to keep the soul and creative intent of the Parisian-held sessions and not over-finesse the final EP. Speaking to Rolling Stone, Philippakis spoke of his motivation to perfect and release their work together, despite the once collaborative project now looking like a solo one. “There had been a sense of duty to finish it anyway, but once he passed away, I realised that it really needed to be”, Yannis said.
With three out of five songs from the EP released in instalments in the lead-up to the release, in the form of lyric videos and teaser YouTube videos, all eyes have been on this unique and inspired project. It’s no surprise that upon announcing their single London show in September, tickets sold out almost immediately.
Lagos Paris London kicks off with the first single from the album, ‘Walk Through Fire’, a track oozing with groove and a quick succession of danceable drum beats, commencing the release in a way that highlights the blend of the duo’s biggest assets. Allen’s classic Afrobeat style almost juxtaposes Philippakis’ distinct vocals that lean into the track’s overarching message of finding strength in times of destruction and upheaval. As Yannis bellows: “I feel like war now, I feel like heat / The time has come to claim the streets”, the song stands out as one of the most timely on the EP—only made more hard-hitting by the music video that highlights imagery of war and futurism in stark contrast to the mundanity of urban life.
‘Rain Can’t Reach Us’ fuses Afrobeat with alternative genres where the duo have respectively excelled. The track’s erratic percussion and Yannis’ husky vocals form a perfect mix, further enhanced by a music video that delves into escapism from environmental destruction. With a catchy chorus and timeless relevance, the song stands out on the EP, offering both escapism and relatability in a world marked by constant chaos.
In a different vein, ‘Night Green, Heavy Love’ marks an experimental turn for the duo, featuring intentionally anxious, subdued tones that sharply contrast with the bold strings and powerful vocals of the earlier tracks. The one-take session that shaped the record bursts with spontaneous energy, showcasing Tony’s versatile drumming, from sparse beats to intense rhythms, while Philippakis’ voice shines with a raw, yet still refined, delivery.
‘Under the Strikes’ is a soulful jam, perhaps in direct contrast with the unsettling title and lyricism throughout the track, referring to being “born under strikes” and losing one’s mind. High-pitched vocals and a bolshy brass crescendo characterise the song, and though its lyrics find themselves applicable to a whole host of political situations dominating the international landscape at present, the origin of the track finds its roots in the centre of Paris during the refuse strikes. Talking about the landscape that inspired the track, Philippakis remarked, “I was fascinated by the idea that we were born into the greatest period of history and yet, things were disintegrating at the same time…”
The EP draws to a close with ‘Clementine’, a song that infuses hope and wistful longing into the dominating political and social commentary of the release. Referencing early summer romance, it features a compelling guitar solo and a softened chorus that highlight the pair’s unique talents and the feeling of hope amongst uncertainty and loss.
Though Allen is integral to this particular EP and the birth of the musical project that drew two contrasting, yet complimentary, greats together, Philippakis has voiced his plans to return to the studio in the future for further collaborations with artists from across the globe.
In a time when discussions about borders and international cooperation are more contentious than ever, the debut release from Yannis & The Yaw offers a refreshing retreat, reaffirming that remarkable art and achievement can emerge from both creative and human collaboration.
Lagos Paris London will be released on August 30th, before Yannis & The Yaw go on to celebrate Tony’s life with a string of performances in Stekene, Amsterdam, Paris, and London this September.
Words by Ruby Brown
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