Aziza Brahim
– Soutak
LP/CD/DL
Out Now
The new
album from Aziza Brahim features a mixture of Malian, Spanish and Cuban
cultures.
It’s
certainly an interesting proposition, a singer with Saharan roots who then
moved on to Cuba and Spain whilst being refused the chance to follow a degree in
music along the way. Not only that but
being produced by Glitterbeat founder and original member of The Walkabouts,
Chris Eckman, is something rather special given that another of his projects,
Dirtmusic, received 10/10 from hiapop Blog for last year’s Troubles album.
Aziza was
born amongst Saharawi refugee camps along the line of Algeria and Western
Sahara. With obvious political oppression,
she moved to Cuba to further her education.
Despite the refusal of her music degree she went back to Algeria and
then to Barcelona where she founded Gulili Mankoo, a group with roots both in
Saharawi and Spain.
Soutak
(translated as ‘Your Voice’) was recorded live and focuses on her striking
voice which is mesmerizing and beautiful and sings lyrics which are intimate
and universal. Despite words of
incredible power, the tracks are woven together by her exceptional knowledge of
song and sound.
Dedicated to
her mother, standout track Julud, describes an undying belief in the Saharawi
political struggle – “You are an example of humanity and of fight”. One of many tracks on the album with a
familiar sound as though you’ve heard them many times before. Julud is haunting in its simplicity and the musicianship
is sublime.
The Spanish
element is obvious with some lovely acoustic guitars and tracks like Aradana
showcase the extraordinary voice perfectly backed only by percussion and
multiple voices towards the end. Again,
the lyrics are powerful but retain the mystique and beauty throughout – “one
day a storm came and took him away. Calmness reigned in the circle of tents and
beyond”.
The title
track too is stunning. Inventive music
and angelic voice carry the tune from start to finish. Articulate guitar work and a lovely melody
make this as enthralling as anything you will hear this year. For over two minutes, album closer Ya Watani
(My Land) is nothing more than Aziza and her amazing voice. Subtle hypnotic guitars then come into effect
to accompany her dulcet tones.
There are
few albums that will affect you the way that Soutak does. Original and gorgeous, and a very very
talented singer.
9/10
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