Temet

Formed in the southern Algerian city of Tamanrasset and dressing more like the Ramones than traditional desert nomads, Imarhan declared themselves the vanguard of a younger generation of Touareg bands with their 2016 debut album, giving a cosmopolitan twist to the template of Saharan desert blues. The title of their follow-up translates as ‘Connections’ and it's appropriate, because Temet is even more adventurous, with added elements of indie, funk, R&B and jazz, all delivered with a fizzing energy. Yet the connection to Tinariwen, the revered patriarchs of Touareg guitar music, remains strong – hardly a surprise as Imarhan's line-up includes Tinariwen bass player Eyadou Ag Leche, who produced and is also the uncle of lead singer Sadam. The opener ‘Azzaman’ is a melodic slice of accessible Afro-pop while ‘Ehad Wa Dagh’ gallops like a camel on amphetamines. The traditional syncopated acoustic rhythms of the desert are given a thrilling Duane Eddy-style makeover on ‘Zinizjumegh’ and there's a good-time desert party vibe to the groove-laden ‘Tamudre’ before the album ends with the plaintive and gentle ‘Ma S-Abok’, complete with a Touareg gospel choir.