For fans of: Desert Blues Meets Fiery Rock

What they're saying: Uncut gives Tuareg guitarist Mdou Moctar’s Afrique Victime LP four and a half stars with reviewer Sharon O'Connell calling the record “An exhilarating band set that mixes electric and acoustic instrumentation, it’s at once fiercely modern and as ancient as the Niger river.” And at Paste Magazine, writer Saby Reyes-Kulkarni zeros in on exactly what makes Moctar such a compelling player:

“Yes, there are blazing solos and squalls of feedback, such as on the extended lead section of the title track. Still, for all his chops, Moctar has a rare gift for fluidity, as he and rhythm/acoustic guitarist Ahmoudou Madassane meld assouf, rock, psych and jazz elements into a single stream under their fingertips.”

What we say: We first heard Moctar on the wildly lo-fi Music from Saharan Cellphones compilation series and he was one of the standout talents there. In the decade since he’s proven himself one of the most compelling purveyors of the distinct style of Tuareg guitar music. The band is sharp, the production is crisp, and Moctar has found fresh inspiration and passion on Afrique Victime.