Songhoy Blues – Héritage (Transgressive) 13th Floor Album Review

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With their fourth studio album, Héritage, Songhoy Blues—consisting of Garba Touré (guitar), Aliou Touré (vocals), and Oumar Touré (bass)—deliver a vibrant homage to their roots while continuing to innovate.

While the successes of previous albums, Music in Exile, Résistance, and Optimisme were built on incorporating a wide variety of musical influences, Héritage takes an acoustic turn. The album blends traditional Malian instruments with the band’s signature contemporary energy, capturing the dynamic spirit that has made them such a popular live act.

Songhoy Blues

The album opens with Toukambela, a reimagining of a 1970s track by Orchestre Kanaga de Mopti. Pulsating with polyrhythmic energy, the track merges vibrant Malian traditions with Songhoy Blues’ distinct flair, setting a powerful tone for the record. In contrast, Boroterey has a stripped-back yet rich sound, opening with pastoral flute and intricate instrumentation, building into a layered, immersive experience. Meanwhile, Dagabi highlights the album’s communal tone, with bursts of strings, rhythmic drumming, and a driving groove.

Gara takes a slower, more instructional approach, weaving traditional storytelling into its admonitions for younger generations to respect their elders. Batto allows Garba Touré to unleash electric-leaning guitar squalls, injecting bursts of energy and excitement into the acoustic foundation.

Garibou, the most musically complex track on the album, delves into themes of exile and longing, echoing the band’s personal experiences of displacement while connecting listeners to broader cultural struggles. Finally, Issa, with its picked strings, contemplative vocals, and flowing rhythm, concludes the record on a reflective note. Its lyrics remind listeners of the importance of respect for the river as a source of life.

Produced by Paul Chandler and recorded in Bamako, Héritage is enriched by multitude of Malian musicians playing traditional instruments. These contributions broaden the album’s sound palette, while the band maintains their core energy and innovation.

Known for collaborations with Iggy Pop, Nick Zinner (of Yeah Yeah Yeahs), and South London rapper Elf Kid, Songhoy Blues have fearlessly explored new sounds. Héritage, however, is a powerful celebration of their Malian musical roots, and a series of videos on YouTube help explain, in sound bites from band members and visuals, the social concerns and context.

For fans of Malian music, acoustic blues, and socially conscious music, Héritage is a must-listen. The album bridges tradition and modernity, offering a poignant celebration of Malian music. Héritage is a testament to Songhoy Blues’ ability to engage the mind with thought-provoking themes as well as the body with powerful and infectious grooves.

John Bradbury

Héritage bySonghoy Blues is out January 17 on Transgressive
Pre-order:ffm.to/songhoy_blues-heritage

 

John Bradbury
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