Call it Ishumar rock or desert blues, Tamikrest plays soulful, psychedelic music influenced by traditional West African sounds and well-tempered by hot desert winds.

The band of young Touareg nomads is being hailed as the spiritual descendants of Tinariwen, the originators of the swirling Saharan rock style. Tamikrest sing about love and the beauty of the desert, but they also protest oppression from the Malian government and call for Touareg unity. They are influenced by Tinariwan, but also Dire Straits and Bob Marley. And they rock out.

Their 2010 debut album Adagh met with international critical acclaim, and now they are preparing to release their sophomore effort Toumastin on Glitterhouse Records. Ahead of its release the band has revealed a few tracks, including “Aratan N Tinariwen” with an official video for the song.

“Aratan N Tinariwen” features the band’s hypnotic chanting in the Tamashek language and a rippling groove that sounds ancient and modern at the same time. It suggests that Toumastin will establish remote Kidal, Mali as home to one of the world’s most exciting rock scenes.

“Aratan N Tinariwen” – Tamikrest

Tamikrest – Arantane N Tinariwen by Glitterhouse Records

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Tamikrest/Glitterhouse Records