Baraaim El-Louz
Odradek, 2023
9/10
An outfit of esteemed players with French-Algerian roots, Koum Tara’s Baraaim El-Louz translates to The Buds Of The Almond Tree, and the songs here touch on Algerian chaabi and jazz via the talents of producer and pianist Karim Maurice.
“Kifech Nensa” opens the listen with plenty of bright melodies thanks to Kamal Mazouni’s playful percussion and Hamidou’s (Mohamed Haman) soaring vocals, and “Corona Chitana” follows Maurice’s lovely keys suiting the well timed violin bouts.
Deeper into the listen, “Houria” dances with Brice Berrerd’s strategic double bass plucking amid expressive singing and festive percussion, while “Khayef Allah” is a more intimate moment of poetic vocals and gentle keys, where Amandine Lefévre’s moody cello is much appreciated.
The final 2 tracks, “Wach Aadabni” and “Zidane”, don’t disappoint either, where the former carries a dance friendly rhythm, and the latter finishes with a bit of mystery, where the low buzzing carries a scif-fi presence.
The sophomore album from Koum Tara, the strings come from members of La Camerata, and Maurice handles moog, synth and a rare intratonal carillon. Together, they make for a rich, authentic and timeless experience that you can’t help but be in awe of.
Travels well with: Damir Imamović- The World And All That It Holds; Trad.Attack!- Bring It On