by J. Poet

Members of the Touareg people of Northern Africa, who have been in armed rebellion for more than 40 years, these young musicians have exchanged traditional acoustic instruments for electric guitars, electric bass and western drum kits, infusing native styles and rhythms with a rock and roots-reggae feel. The sound is undeniably Arab, but the attitude is rock ‘n’ roll, built on simple repeating guitar figures that recall Pop Staples and driven by polyrhythmic drumming, handclaps and a call and response that brings to mind Southern Baptist fervor. The relentless dirge "Chatma" laments the long war, the lyric of "Arawan" is rapped over a the tolling of a single chord and accented by ululating female wails, and "Aldhechen Manin" is a gentle reggae skank with chiming blues guitar lines.