- Released: 2017
- Origin: Tataouine, Tunisia
- Label: Glitterbeat
- Best Track: Qaadrii – Salaam Alaik – Massarh
For something completely different to what I normally hear, I thought I’d have a listen to the debut album from Ifriqiyya Electrique, a band with a world of influences.
I’m trying to get through two quick reviews today, so I’ll just say that this is one of the most oddly intense albums I’ve ever heard. The drumming and African chanting is fast and frenetic, but that’s offset by this raw industrial clang and drone reminiscent of Swans and Einsturzende Neubauten.
It all adds up to something pretty exhausting. Take second track ‘Qaadrii – Salaam Alaik – Massarh’. If you’re not worn out after this, you’re not listening properly!
A harsh critic might say the novelty wears off as the album goes on, but why see it as a novelty? Invigorating stuff!
