As I am quite unfamiliar with world and roots music I can safely say I didn’t know what to expect when ‘Tinariwan’ dropped through my door… The gut instinct was telling me it should involve some sort of tribal drums, and this was only through watching safari documentaries on BBC Two. The album ‘Inidiwan: Champions’ to be released June 29th begins with a slow and mundane number, one that if you were new to the genre you would probably switch off and go and listen to Lady GaGa instead. The track goes by the name ‘Imidiwan Afrik Tendam’ and consists of what seems like rather emotional vocals (Not sang in English) picked guitar notes and slowly beaten bongo drums. It was far from the tribal and usually energetic music I was expecting. Nevertheless I am always willing to give something a chance. Second song ‘Lulla’ graces my ears with a sound stereotypical of Roots music – Lively, energetic and foot tapping melodies throughout, it was imminent that I would love this record. Bongos control and give the song an infectious rhythm along with the echoing overtones of plucked guitars.
With so much going on you wouldn’t think there is space to cram anything else in, in fact the most powerful and endearing thing of all are the vocals, backing more then main unusually. The album ranges from all that is simply sublime, with personal favorites including ‘Tenhert’ guaranteed to be engraved in your memory not just minutes, but weeks later. To other songs which sound sluggish and unexciting. Listening to the whole album can become repetitive and at times certainly with slower numbers is in danger of being turned off. My recommendation would be to listen in manageable doses, so it is an enjoyable and refreshing experience. If you are the type of person that describes yourself as having a broad and varied taste in music this record is worth the listen, for the experience alone. Whatever the verdict it is refreshing to hear something cultural and different among the western music scene for once.
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