Seed

For their fourth album, the band dropped the "Sound System" from its name and became known simply as Afro Celts. In interviews, Simon explained that the collective had evolved into a true band, and as such the "Sound System" moniker - which implies DJs and samples to the exclusion of musicians and instruments - no longer applied. Still, reviewers' suggestions that the band had "gone acoustic" or that it had lost its interest in keyboards and beats were wildly overblown. To be sure, there is great emphasis on song craft and diverse instrumentation on Seed, but the programmed beats and ambient textures that marked the band's earlier efforts have not been eliminated altogether. Even the largely acoustic "Ayub's Song/As You Were" contains keyboard playing by Simon. In keeping with the "band" feel, Seed places a heavier emphasis on live bass (both acoustic and electric) and gives Johnny's, N'Faly's and Moussa's percussion greater prominence in the mix. The band lineup for Seed includes Simon Emmerson, James McNally, Iarla O'Lionaird (whose vocals are given much greater prominence than on the band's previous efforts), Martin Russell, N'Faly Kouyate, Myrdhin, Mass, Johnny Kalsi, Moussa Sissokho, and Emer Mayock.