Ariya Astrobeat Arkestra formed in late 2007 when members of the kidkanevil live show and First Word stalwarts Homecut began a series of late night afrobeat sessions at Leeds Jazz venue Sela Bar. It was out of these jam sessions that the 8 piece band was born, combining their love of afrobeat with their appreciation of the space jazz pioneers of the 70"s and the free jazz trailblazers of the 60"s, coupled with a hefty nod towards James Brown. The album includes nine original compositions as well as debut single "Crosstown Traffic", a firing cover of the Jimi Hendrix classic. From the infectious horn stabs of opener "African Kings" to the hi-life influenced "Big Grammar" and the languid groove of "Same Same" this is an album of real consistency and quality.