Imarhan

“Our music is more of a mix. It’s a bit more modern, more open to the world,” says Imarhan lead singer Sadam Ag Ibrahim in an interview with Andy Morgan about comparisons to Tinariwen. Imarhan are amongst the latest generation of desert blues musicians, and mix more urban and Pan-African influences into their music — such as on the funky cut “Tahabort” — while also being unafraid of stripping back the loud, rock guitars and returning to more folksy roots, perhaps thanks to the touch of their Tuareg producer Eyadou Ag Leche (who also happens to be Tinariwen’s bass player). “Idarchan Net” especially is one example of this more acoustic sound, with its tender guitar, subtle rhythms, and almost whispered vocals — enough to give you goosebumps.