Tal National - Tantabara (2018)

Niger-based combo Tal National has previously impressed with a pair of esoteric albums on Fat Cat. Tantabara, their latest album, is also impressive, featuring as it does a unique fusion of high-octane, Juju style guitar motifs, fuzzy psychedelic rock influences, wild but ear-pleasing synthesizer lines, subtle nods towards funk and soul and an extra-healthy dose of life-affirming vocals (delivered, according to the band's own website, by eight different singers, seven of which are full-time members of the band). It's hard to accurately describe, but utterly joyous and hugely entertaining - the sort of set that can lift your mood as soon as the needle hits the groove.

Tracklist:
01. Tal National - Tantabara
02. Tal National - Belles Reines
03. Tal National - Entente
04. Tal National - Duniya
05. Tal National - Akokas
06. Tal National - Pama
07. Tal National - Trankil
08. Tal National - Aminiata