The Lafayette Afro Rock Band’s history is as rich as their funk. Formed back in 1970, Long Island, New York, this French band did their best to break beat their way into the U.S. music scene with the great art of funk. Finally recognized for their efforts, Darkest Light is released, a compilation of some of The Lafayette’s best work in remastered, greatest quality form.

The album opens up with “Voodounon,” a track that sets the stage but doesn’t break out like their other songs. The next and more recognizable track on the record is “Hihache,” a song that has been sampled in numerous hip-hop productions for its great break beat. Next on the list for the category would be the track “Darkest Light,” which is instantly recognizable for its sample in Jay-Z’s “Show Me What You Got.” But enough with sample history. The reason these songs are sampled is because they are good, as they stand. Which is something people are noticing about The Lafayette Afro Rock Band with the release of Darkest Light. Songs like “Ozan Koukle” show The Band’s range, creating a smoother, jazzier, even slightly reggae influenced track. “There’s Time to Change” is almost like a slow Isley Brother’s joint, where the following track, “Soul Makossa,” is as poppy and funky as they come.

The Lafayette Afro Rock Band is first a band, and second a funk band. They create different styles, fuse others together, and practically make up their own. This is shown perfectly on Darkest Light, as it should be. You can catch pieces of history and story through this album, which some compilations fail to do. This compilation sums up the group in the best way possible, through their music.

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