For those who find Tinariwen's detailed grooves, sharp guitar playing, and tightly knit performances inviting, then Amtssou is yet another welcome addition to the Malian collective's consistently solid catalog.
The Saharan Desert has had quite the spectacular music scene over the years, especially in the rock world. Complex guitars, chanting claps, and rhythmic harmonies make up much of the joy that comes to Tuareg guitar music and the same goes for Tinariwen. Based in Northern Mali and named plural for "desert," Tinariwen have deservedly become veterans in the Tuareg music scene at this point, providing acclaimed album after acclaimed album of consistent quality. There have been some notable faces over time like Bombino and most recently, Mdou Moctar who have gained popularity and critical acclaim overseas and across the world. But if there's one act who has really become a staple within this genre, it's Tinariwen. If you haven't heard about their origins, I suggest looking it up because it's truly inspiring at how rebellious they are against war and strive for peace. I've become a little bit familiar with the scene, bouncing around from a few albums and artists and I feel like Tinariwen is certainly the most collaborative and fluent band of the acclaimed bunch that have circulated around music blogs for years. I've enjoyed numerous albums in their discography including Elwan, Emmar and their last album Amadjar which featured numerous guest guitarists in the indie-sphere like Cass McCombs, Stephen O'Malley and Warren Ellis.
Honestly, there hasn't been a single disappointment from them thus far. They've been in their own wheelhouse of rhythmic desert rock while also continuing to become more expansive, detailed, and well crafted. They tend to sing in the language of Tamashek, so there is a language barrier, but the real main attractions are the group's harmonies and rhythmic guitar playing. The same goes for Amatssou, the band's ninth album. Expectedly, the band continues to be collaborative and open with more musicians including Wes Corbett on banjo, Fats Kaplin on mandolin, and Daniel Lanois, a talented producer whose numerous acclaimed rock records under his belt include both U2's Achtung Baby and The Joshua Tree. These additional musicians add a lot of detail to these already gorgeous songs and add a certain lushness that I haven't heard before on previous records.
Lead single "Tenere Den" is a stunner and with Fats Kaplin's mandolin playing, it adds so much texture to the group's head bobbing grooves. Album opener "Kek Algham" is the band at their most explosive and kicks the album off with a bang. At a rapid pace, the band fires on all cylinders with energetic guitars, percussion and banjo from Fats Kaplin. It might even be my favorite song I've heard from them. Other highlights include the groovy "Arajghiyine," the harmonious "Imidiwan Mahitinam," the twangy "Ezlan," and the celebratory "Anemouhagh." There are also some interesting additional musical interludes that are cool, like the quaint "Imzad" and the album's stunning closer showcasing female vocalists in "Tinde." Some of the vocal moments get a little tedious for me such as on "Jayche Atarak" but this is a super minor complaint. Tinariwen certainly isn't for everyone, especially with the different cultural background, distinctly worn lead vocals and language barrier. For those who find the band's detailed grooves, sharp guitar playing, and tightly knit performances inviting, then Amtssou is yet another welcome addition to the band's consistently solid catalog.
My Rating: 8 / 10
Favorite Songs: "Tenere Den," "Kek Algham," "Arajghiyine," "Imidiwan Mahitinam," "Ezlan," "Anemouhagh"
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