Neil and the New Vibration are a Malawian five piece Afro-Country-Fusion band whose first album, Made in Malawi, is due for international release on the 5th September 2014. The 'Neil' of the band is Neil Nayar, a singer songwriter from Kent, who after a few years of organising shows in London, recording a debut solo album, putting on festivals on farms in England and busking around Holland and Spain, decided all of a sudden that all those esapades were leading him to Malawi. In just a year and a half in the country known by many as 'the warm heart of Africa', destiny showed why he'd been brought here as new songs began to flow, an all star band was formed, an album was recorded, and then mixed by one of the top producers in the continent. Made in Malawi is an album of the modern world. A global album with songs to dance to, drive to, or just lay back and listen to. Lyrics of an acoustic songwriter with the groove of a Rumba dance band. The sound has been compared to Paul Simon and Oliver Mtukudzi, though if one listens carefully they'll no doubt find some Lennon and Johnny Cash vibes coming through, which is why in Malawi they've been dubbed as an Afro-Country band. The album was crowdfunded on kickstarter at the end of 2013 and since then it's been a non-stop battle of wills, with three different mixes of the album being done, by different engineers. Patience has paid off as the reception of the final mix so far by in crowds in Lilongwe has been electric. "It's been the most amazing experience of my life", says Neil. "When I arrived in Malawi I was totally at the crossroads of life. I've enjoyed playing with these musicians so much and am thrilled that in this modern musical environment, with internet taking the role it has, that we have the chance to share our sound with the world, from right here in Malawi. But don't be surprised if you see us in Europe some time soon. The adventure has only just begun!" The rhythm section of the band have been playing together long before Neil arrived in Malawi with an award winning Malawian outfit known as Konkalazi, who toured Europe back in 2012, after winning a five nation Southern African music competition. And the guitarist, Blessings Nkhoma, whose guitar playing brings jazzy colours and warmth, is one of the most admired guitarists in the country. And as for our backing vocalist, Christine Msuseni, it seems like she and Neil were born to sing together, with voices that melt into eachother like in the album's gorgeous duet ballad, 'I opened my eyes'. The album was recorded in the top studio, perhaps in the country, by Lemekeza Phiri, a very respected producer and keyboardist, who added some twinkly keys on a couple of songs. And the album was mixed in the end by Keith Farqharson, producer and sound engineer for South African super band, Freshly Ground, who was himeslf born in Malawi and hence took great interest in the project. It's been an incredible journey for an independant travelling singer-songwriter, and an incredible journey for all involved. It started with a dream and a vision to make some new music in a new way, and here it is. Get ready for.... The New Vibration.