Niger six-piece Tal National are back with their second album, Zoy Zoy, due for release on Monday by FatCat Records.
Recording in a makeshift studio in Niamey, Niger’s capital, the band teamed up with Chicago producer Jamie Carter, whose previous production credits include Psalm One and Chance The Rapper. In a country without proper recording studios, music instrument shops or record stores Tal National were forced to improvise during the recording process, making their own drumsticks for instance.
However both producer and band had clearly learned from their experience recording the band’s debut, Kaani, when Carter received three serious electric shocks. With no life-threatening accidents to report from production of Zoy Zoy we can safely assume the production process was less stressful.
Since Kaani propelled the band to recognition around the world Tal National have become known for their stage shows, where the sextet are supplemented by up to seven additional musicians. We at the Quietus thoroughly enjoyed Tal National’s last album, describing it as “afro-rock with a Battles-like intensity, as relentless riffs batter away into your subconscious”.
