In 1986, Triple Earth put out Britain's first Rai release, from Algerian star Cheb Khaled. The follow-up,from young contender Cheb Mami, sets wavering Middle Eastern vocals against two distinct backdrops: side two, transitional, with a standard electric guitar sound, side one, high-ech with frenetic violin outbreaks riding a cool synthesized backwash. Most of the cuts are strongly percussive,the opener, Dertfik Confiance, having a hard enough line to suggest further avenues of Rai dub and rap. A man to watch.

Copyright : Chris Stapleton , Emap Consumer Magazines Limited