IMARHAN

Temet 8/10

2016’s self-titled debut posited Imarhan at the head of a new generation of Tuareg musicians who dress like New York punks and borrow from rock, blues and beyond. Temet, translated as ‘Connections’ in Tamashek, manages to broaden their sound further, forging links to funk, soul and jazz. Crucially, though, they’ve retained the traditional rhythms that make them so captivating, from the syncopated grace of “Zinizjumegh” to the joyous desert grooves of “Tamudre”. Meanwhile, the influence of fellow pluralists Tinariwen (whose Eyadou Ag Leche, cousin to Imarhan’s singer Sadam, is once again co-producer) continues to run deep.