Mandrill Is

Released by Polydor Records on April 1, 1972, Mandrill Is is the second album by Mandrill, the Brooklyn seven-piece led by brothers Carlos Wilson, Lou Wilson, and Ric Wilson. Recorded at Electric Lady Studios in winter 1971–72, it sharpens the adventurous mix first heard on their debut.

There is real drive here: a powerful horn section, deep grooves, percussion-heavy arrangements, and flashes of psychedelia and jazz-rock. Ape Is High and Git It All hit with immediate funk, while Cohelo and Kofijahm lean into Latin and Afro-diasporic rhythms.

Children of the Sun and Lord of the Golden Baboon push further outward, showing a band just as invested in atmosphere and interplay as groove. Mandrill Is catches Mandrill sounding more focused and confident, while still refusing to stay in one lane.