Ibibio Sound Machine announce new album Pull the Rope

Ibibio Sound Machine has announced a new album. On May 3, they’ll release Pull the Rope via Merge Records. It follows 2022’s Electricity, which was produced by Hot Chip, their latest is produced by Ross Orton and ISM’s Max Grunhard. They’ve shared new single “Got to Be Who U Are,” which you can hear below.

The group said in a statement, “‘Got to Be Who U Are’ is about the idea that what brings us together is stronger than what separates us. No matter where we may go, we will always carry the essence of who we are in our hearts, and yet the places and things that separate us are not as important as we may be led to believe. Be happy and proud of who or what you are. Musically, the track begins by stating its message over a traditional African mbira part and then drops into a similar vocal except now over more of an electronic dance vibe which is meant to have an uplifting tone to it to carry along the message that we may be in Europe, Africa or America, but a simple sound or thought can instantly connect us.”

Ibibio Sound Machine’s Electricity is featured on our list of the 20 Best Electronic Albums of 2022.

Ibibio Sound Machine Pull the Rope tour dates:

1 Pull the Rope
2 Got to Be Who U Are
3 Fire
4 Them Say
5 Political Incorrect
6 Mama Say
7 Let My Yes Be Yes
8 Touch the Ceiling
9 Far Away
10 Dance in the Rain

Ibibio Sound Machine tour dates:

May 22 Portsmouth, UK – Wedgewood Rooms
May 23 Norwich, UK – Arts Centre
May 25 Birkenhead, UK – Future Yard
Jun 05 Cambridge, UK – Junction 2
Jun 06 London, UK – KOKO
Nov 08 Bristol, UK – SWX
Nov 09 Leeds, UK – Project House
Nov 14 Brighton, UK – Concorde 2
Nov 15 Manchester, UK – Academy 2
Nov 16 Dublin, IE – Whelan’s
Nov 18 Edinburgh, UK – Summerhall
Nov 19 Nottingham, UK – Rescue Rooms