Niger trance rockers Tal National are back this spring with a new album, Zoy Zoy, out on FatCat, and the group have revealed the first taster of the LP with this video for the track ‘Claire’. The album follows 2013’s international debut Kaani and ‘Claire’ shows the band in fine form, with bandleader, and former professional footballer, Hamadal ‘Almeida’ Issoufou Moumine unravelling endless riffs from his guitar over hypnotic percussion. The music is inspired by a mix of Afrobeat, highlife, Fulani, Hausa, Sonhgai and Tuareg-inspired sounds to name a few, and as Niger is bordered by Nigeria, Mali and Ghana, all of these cultures are represented within the ranks of the group, which numbers from six to 13 members for live performances. Their live shows are known to last up to six hours, and that intensity is reined in on the album with tight and dynamic track arrangements. The group used to sell CDs on busy roundabouts in their early days and the video captures the hustle and bustle of Niamey city centre, the Niger capital where the album was recorded.
Zoy Zoy is due for release on April 13, with a European tour, including UK dates, set to be confirmed. Read the Quietus interview with the group here.
