»Koïma« is the second album-release by the malian guitarist and singer on Thrill Jockey, but it’s only the third in his career. Where last year’s »Sahel Folk« focused on intimate duets and a scarce use of instruments, we now hear a five-man-band with noticeable calabash-percussions and soukou, the traditional violin. The quiet meeting of friends has developed to a vibrant tribal party. On Tourés last year’s debut on Thrill Jockey, his typical Mali Blues, called »Songhaï Blues« was audible in a more pure, essential form; now he moves ahead and shows the interested listener new and tricky ways to make the desert resound. Repetitive anthems and wonderfully weightless guitar cascades evoke a ruminant feeling of zero gravity. Time seems to stop, and when a new song starts after just four minutes, it seems as if one had been listening to an endless jam. »Koïma« is not only the mythical place where the most powerful warlocks meet, but it can be translated to »come and listen!«. And you should definitely follow this invitation.
Koima
