Hazy retro African pop from DJ Nickodemus' Wonderwheel Recordings. The label brings us the debut album from Sudanese singer Alsarah and her band the Nubatones, Silt. Alsarah describes the sound of the album as "East African Retro Pop," music that draws on the hazy sounds of 1960s and 70s Nubian music. Composed of percussionist Rami El Aasser, master Oud player and Luthier Haig Manoukian and bass player Mawuena Kodjovi, the Nubatones weave the perfect fabric for Alsarah's vocals. The sound draws on the musical fusion happening in 1970s Khartoum, along with Arabic and North African influences appearing in the mix.

• music label: Wonderwheel Recordings 2014

reviewed by Le Haim 04/2014