Etran De L’Aïr

★★★★ Agadez SAHEL SOUNDS. CD/DL/LP

What they lack in the guitar heroics of Mdou Moctar, Agadez’s latest export make up for in the ferocious danceability that distinguishes Niger’s Tuaregs from those further north. No showing off – the solos fit the songs perfectly – just no-nonsense Saharan groove. Only their second album in 27 years (when they started, their leader, Abindi, was nine), but this is great stuff. DH