The Macrotones have been bringing tightly honed afrofunk to Boston, New England, and beyond since 2007. Whether they’re opening for national headliners like NOMO, the Budos Band, Sierra Leone’s Refugee All Stars, and Grupo Fantasma, splitting sold-out bills with regional favorites like Rubblebucket, Westbound Train, Destroy Babylon or playing all night themselves, The Macrotones’ taut rhythms keep the bodies moving and heads nodding. Based initially in Allston, Mass, the earliest incarnation of the 10-piece Macrotones came together to play traditional afrobeat music. While this was a great introduction, it became apparent there were new, diverse directions the music was headed. Their sound quickly grew to incorporate elements of funk, soul, ethiojazz, and rock. The result is a dark and funky blend of persistent, interlaced rhythms, and powerfully dense horn lines. And with stimulating percussion percolating throughout, it’s obvious the way to take in a Macrotones performance is on one’s feet and dancing.
