Influenced by American blues, the Saharan group Tinariwen developed a groove-laden desert rock that led to world fame and a gig opening for the Rolling Stones. The documentary accompanying this 2009 release has interviews with group members as well as musical performances."When they do step up a couple of gears from the languid desert gait, it's thrilling, and shows that they're really one of the best rock bands around … with a sense of the exotic and spontaneous. Lyrically they remain serious, with songs about the nature of revolution ('Imidiwan Afrik Temdam'), regret ('Tamodjerazt Assis'), and the Tamashek people ('Kel Tamashek')—all inspirational stuff. The layered guitars can still seduce, and the magic that first brought them to the fore is still very much present."—Sing Out!
"Tracks like Imazaghe n Adagh, with its opening vocal mantra that clicks into a head-nodding groove before a steely and resolute guitar solo brings it to an end, transport you to the beautiful and barren place that these troubadours are from —even if you are on the back deck sipping a cold beer. It's magical."—New Zealand Herald
