The previous album by Aussie rockers Chris Eckman (the Walkabouts) and
Hugo Race (the Bad Seeds) was a brave fusion with Tuareg band Tamikrest.
This follow-up, cut in a makeshift studio in Bamako, at first seems
more of the same, its rock guitars riding African rhythms, heavy on
shimmering atmosphere but light on structured songs. As guest singers
arrive, it coalesces into something more. La Paix, an impassioned cry
against the terrorist invasion of Mali, is voiced thrillingly by Aminata
Traore, while Virginie Dembélé does likewise over the dub beats of Wa
Nazu. The title cut, originally by reggae's Keith Hudson, adds a bluesy
sting. Tough stuff.
