This is psychedelic Saharan blues from Mauritanian singer Noura Mint Seymali. Her debut album of 2014, Tzenni, marked her out and this new one, Arbina, seems even more assured.
It’s a lean, electrified roots sound, with Noura’s soaring vocals accompanied by her own traditional ardine (harp), searing electric guitar, electric bass and drums.
Arbina is a name for God and many of the songs here are spiritual in an ecstatic way. Mohammedoun, a song of praise to the Prophet, comes with thrilling ululations, while the closing Tia, with its captivating loping bass, is an appeal to God to bestow healing powers.
Richa is a Mauritanian hit composed by her father and popularised by Noura’s stepmother Dimi Mint Abba. Incisive and powerful stuff.
(Glitterbeat Records)
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