tim_the_curator A sweet showcase of a multi-instrumentalist's skills, playing with nostalgic, wistful textures, piano and cello at the forefront. The actual statements being made feel muddled to me. It might be because Parson and I look at the past differently, but the emotions being conveyed seem unclear here—like a tepid autumn breeze versus poetry that conveys a transformation. Favorite track: In Wonder.

Tom Colquhoun Mdou Moctar is the wildchild of Tuareg rock, whipping up a perpetual storm of electric noise that centres the guitar more than ever as the voice of urgency. This album has soul, character and dynamics, but is defined throughout by the vitality and fury of Moctar's guitar. Favorite track: Afrique Victime.

pinkytheent Very happy a colleague recommended Mdou Moctar to me after I discovered & fell in love with Tinariwen and this new (to me) desert blues sound! Mdou Moctar inject more of a psychedelic sensibility into their music rather than Tinariwen's drone, making it flavorfully distinctive, while still carrying that shining, twanging, sun-drenched sound we all love about Saharan desert rock. Love the grooving rhythms and the alternately snappy clean or drowned-in-effects guitar melodies. Excellent work! Favorite track: Afrique Victime.

mspanheimerlisten Fresh sounds and a less rocky approach as Ilana. Absolute fabulous