The combination plays out on Bombino's new album Nomad exactly as it may sound: intriguing and (pardon the French here) really friggin' awesome.
This album has Auerbach's rock 'n' roll attitude throughout. It truly makes for an enticing mix, one that will likely get plenty of play here in the States as Bombino embarks on the summertime festie circuit. The Tuareg-influenced melodies mingle well with a more American rock vibe. Album opener "Amidinine" is a perfect example of that.
"Imuhar," as well, balances an atypical percussive rhythm (to our Western ears, at least) with mostly straight-forward fuzz-rock during his guitar solo excursions.
More exciting and innovative than purely novel, Bombino's latest material underscores the need to continue pushing boundaries in mainstream music. Likewise, the lesson does double-time for Auerbach and his crew. The Black Keys, arguably one of the biggest rock bands on the planet these days, could take a page out of their new friend and learn that there are always new frontiers to explore in rock 'n' roll.
