Algarabya

The obvious point of reference for La Banda Morisca (The Moorish Band) is the now-defunct Radio Tarifa, with whom they share some collaborators. But whereas the latter drank deeply from their well of influences, especially the Arabic and Spanish folk styles of Al Andalus, Algarabya sips from many sources and offers a decidedly contemporary perspective on them. The range of strings and winds played by the five band members and their equal number of collaborators includes oud, violin, gimbri, ney and sax. With this they create an attractive, varied soundscape, while the backline of electric bass and drum-kit anchors it firmly to European pop/rock. There is an atavistic poetry in the lyrics, as if they were ancient rhymes, but sometimes the melodies lose focus and the voice of José Mari Cala is not always strong enough. However, the songs are vibrant and rhythmically driven with excellent playing and production. The overall effect is a non-specific Moorish sound with a distant echo of prog-rock. It's not for purists; rather, it is an adventurous, contemporary take on an under-explored musical legacy.