Aman

Album Review

Just in case you need an atlas to discover the location of the Comoros Islands, they're in the Indian Ocean. But you wouldn't really know it from this album, billed as an "acoustic fusion," which is as apt as anything. Nawal, who sings and plays guitar and gambusi is well backed by a pair of musicians, as well as a few guests. What can sound amateurish at times quickly becomes persuasive. She has a voice that nags pleasantly at the ear, drawing it in on her own material. Trying to discern the influences here becomes an intriguing, challenging task. There are traces of Africa, Indonesia, and Sufi chant which come together to form something unique and which works quite well. When the mbira, or thumb piano, is used, it comes as a surprise, but the mix of melody and rhythm in its play simply adds to the sound. It's possibly all too low-key to find a wide audience, and as it doesn't eschew any particular tradition, it stands well outside everything. But there's no doubt that Nawal has created something fascinating and individual here.