Ibeyi are French Afro-Cuban twin sisters Lisa-Kainde and Naomi Diaz, the daughters of famed Cuban percussionist Ánga Diaz. The duo have released two critically-acclaimed albums–2015’s self-titled debut, followed by 2017’s Ash. They’ve also toured extensively across Europe, the US, Canada, Mexico, South America, Australia and Asia, garnering a devoted fanbase from across the globe.

Spell 31 is their boldest offering yet, an antidote to apathy in a divided world. The group’s signature ethereal harmonies are fused with gospel, persuasive percussion, momentous bass, and electronic neo-soul expressions–transporting the listener into a sublime rawness that is refined by Richard Russell’s precise hand and synthesized into astonishing clarity.

In a first for the group, Spell 31 is available in both traditional two-channel stereo and Dolby Atmos. Though the Atmos mix has been available to stream since 2022, we at IAA are thrilled to now offer the album as an exclusive immersive digital download through our online shop!

Expert producer/engineer Ricky Damian (Lady Gaga, Adele, Mark Ronson, etc) has done an excellent job on the immersive mix, making full use of the three-dimensional space to completely envelop the listener. Chimes swirl overhead for the opening track "Sangoma," with backing vocals forcefully panned to the back of the room. Listeners with a 9.1.4 or 9.1.6 system may notice that the lead vocals appear predominantly in the front wide speakers.

The short transitional piece "O Inle" separates different vocal layers between the front and side surrounds, taking us into the first single "Made of Gold" featuring British rapper Pa Salieu. Harmony vocals again wrap around the listener from the front stage out into the side surrounds. "Sister 2 Sister" features percussion bouncing between the sides and rears, with the big vocal reverbs floating up to the height array.

"Creature (Perfect)" is certainly a highlight from an immersive perspective, as the synth amusingly swirls all around the room. "Lavender & Red Roses" and "Rise Above" continue to serve up a steady diet of room-filling vocals and thrilling low-end, with the tribal closer "Los Muertos" bringing the album to an emotional conclusion.

Immersive Audio Album offers immersive digital downloads in the lossless Dolby TrueHD format. While streaming services offer convenience and access to a vast library of music, they also severely compress the audio to save bandwidth. With lossless TrueHD, the inner detail and sonic clarity is much better preserved for home listeners.

Spell 31 is the tenth entry in an ongoing series of high-resolution digital immersive releases from IAA and Beggars Group, one of the world's largest and most-respected independent label groups. Beggars Group is home to 4AD, Matador Records, Rough Trade, XL Recordings and Young, as well as a growing publishing wing (Beggars Music) and a successful catalog imprint (Beggars Arkive).

Purchase Spell 31 in the IAA Shop!

About the Author

Immersive Audio Album is a marketplace where immersive and surround sound artists can sell their music.