Times (London), CD Review >>
If you need proof that world music begins no further away than the other end of the Channel Tunnel, look to Lo'Jo (see interview, opposite). On Au Cabaret Sauvage (Emma/Discovery) Denis Pean and his colleagues combine Gallic and North African idioms, folk strains and modern technology without a shred of self consciousness.
If the results are vaguely reminiscent of Serge Gainsbourg's Left Bank reggae dabblings, that impression is heightened by Pean's unashamedly gravelly vocals. No point lingering too long over the opaque lyrics, but the voices of Nadia and Yamina Nid el Mourid sweep back and forth like a piercing desert wind. The group are due to tour here in the spring. I can't wait. 01/28/03
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