Album releases

FEMI KUTI One People One World

A hotbed of empowerment and uplift, the latest from Femi, eldest son of the late great Afrobeat pioneer Fela Kuti, enriches a noble family tradition.

With euphoric sunny horns serving Kuti’s vocals, this is an instant tonic. Recorded in downtown Lagos, the energy and musicianship here is undeniable. From dynamic dance tune E Dey Their Body through to One People One World and Africa Will Be Great Again, the swirl of influences is truly international, from the Caribbean to New Orleans.

IMARHAN Temet

Anyone carping about a lack of inspiration in guitar-based outfits is ignoring the verve and ingenuity of the new wave of Tuareg music. The second album from these Algerian-bred Tinariwen proteges is a case in point, the beautiful incandescent riffing of Ehad Wa Dagh a stirring example of a band unhampered by borders, while Tamudre is a frenetic and exuberant call to arms.

An intoxicating cocktail of thoughtfulness, flash, fire and skill – as rock ’n’ roll as you like, in other words.

GRANT-LEE PHILLIPS Widdershins

Californian-born Nashville-based Grant has had his priorities sharpened by ongoing events in his homeland. A sense of edgy discomfort is apparent in the sound of this quickly recorded album and titles such as Unruly Mobs, Scared Stiff and King of Catastrophes give voice to a pointed and poetic urgency.

Lush, crazed and indignant on the fuzz guitar blow-out Another, Another, Then Boom, Phillips doesn’t revel in despond and History Has Their Number offers hope against the prevailing mood of despair.