Album: Tamikrest, Adagh (Glitterhouse)

The "spiritual sons of Tinariwen" says the press release, which is one way of putting it.

But this is really Tinariwen-by-numbers with much of the edge and rococo detail removed. It's perfectly pleasant, and may convert a few more rock fans to the idea that Saharan desert blues isn't as alien as they thought, but there's not much that's rebellious about this Touareg rebel blues.

They're at their best when they strip everything back, as on the restrained closing track "Toumastin".