Pitchfork Gives Tinariwen’s Elwan an 8.2

Pitchfork has reviewed Tinariwen‘s Elwan, giving it an 8.2 rating and saying that “Tinariwen’s collaborations [with the likes of Kurt Vile and members of Queens of the Stone Age] work more ideally than on previous outings.” Describing the album’s sound, the site writes that it’s a “solid collection of tunes that merge West African styles and guitar riffs inspired by American folk forms. The album can swing quickly across a wide range of moods, moving dramatically between feverish group workouts and more personal, acoustic laments.” The album is full of “sublime moments,” according to Pitchfork, and Tinariwen “can provide exultation and encouragement like few other ensembles, on any continent.”

Read the glowing review right here. Tinariwen debuted at #27 at NACC, and moved up to #18 at Spinitron/Medium Rotation.

Check out Ténéré Tàqqàl (what has become of the Ténéré) below.