Just over two years ago, when Songhoy Blues played in a bar in Camden, north London, I suggested that the Malian guitar band had “all the makings of African-rock crossover heroes”. And now here they are, firmly established as the continent’s new young celebrities, with a second album that aims for the widest possible international market.
Their original influences were desert blues and traditional Songhai styles, but here these are transformed by tight, attacking riffs, jangling funk guitar work and the addition of brass and keyboards. Then there are appearances by Iggy Pop, who growls about “going to the Sahara, baby”, and the London grime MC Elf Kid, who has been exploring his African roots, while the much-travelled US violinist William Harvey plays on the easy-going blues Hometown. There’s even a children’s choir on the final track. That may sound like overkill but they succeed thanks to their enthusiasm and attack.
