IMARHAN

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.