Tamikrest –
Kidal (Glitterbeat Records)
LP / CD / DL
Out Now
7.5 / 10
Review by Paul
On the fourth
album by Tuareg rockers Tamikrest, they return to the place which first saw
them assemble as a group. Kidal, the Saharan town is one of hope and a spiritual
home to many, the album is mostly written in the desert by front man Ousmane Ag
Mossa to gain a full understanding of the surroundings.
For previous listeners
of the band, album opener Mawarnhia Tartit maybe offers a surprise. It is subtle and laid back and not the
explosive start that would be expected with shallow waves of intricate guitar
work and little else, it patters into existence rather than making an immediate
mark. What it does however, is set out
the stall for another hypnotic and highly enjoyable album.
For the
uninitiated, the band’s sound is like no other – hooks become familiar with an
enthralling repetition and Mossa’s voice is like an instrument in itself. Deep rooted in Tuareg tradition the album represents
oppression, regression and ultimately hope. Wainan Adobat perhaps typifies the
Tamikrest sound with its bank of voices against throbbing guitar, it feels like
a call to arms and a song of unity.
Multinational
over commercialisation is a constant threat to the desert and Ag Mossa writes
about it with great concern for his people War Tila Eridaran speaks out the difficulties
the people face. The Tuareg are nomads but
in 2012 they called the state of Azawad their own, the intervention of al-Qaeda
and the French military then ended their dream within twelve months – their
hopes however, live on.
Kidal encompasses
the feeling of suffering and behind the electronic guitars hides simple,
tradition. The mix of customary sounds
and modern technology provides a quite unique sound. Produced by Mark Mulholland and mixed by
David Odlum, the album sounds fresh and calculated whilst at the same time innovative
and conventional.
It’s on the
rockier number like Adoutat Salilagh where Tamikrest really shine but on the subtler,
gentler tracks (of which there are several here) they show that they aren’t just
a one trick pony.
Album closer Adad Osan Itibat is almost folk-like in its appearance and ends an album of defiance and hope which is well worth hearing.
Album closer Adad Osan Itibat is almost folk-like in its appearance and ends an album of defiance and hope which is well worth hearing.
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