We Went There: Etran de L’Aïr at the Turf Club

Wednesday’s Etran de L’Aïr show at the Turf Club was my second time seeing the Saharan band at the venue in the last two years, so the element of surprise that helped make their last visit one of my favorite shows of 2023 wasn’t there any more, but it didn’t stop it from being another amazing night of music.

The four piece band play a slightly rockier version of desert blues than some of their contemporaries, which was driven home at the full and dance-ready Turf Club. Where some bands in their sphere drive home the groove with circular guitar licks (which Etran de L’Aïr certainly utilize), the band is in many cases driven by a frantic, machine gun drumming that feels less languid and more like a stomp in the chest. The duel guitars also are more exploratory, focusing more on leads than rhythm in a way that allows the songs to spread out further.

The band played a high intensity show that last almost 90 minutes, including a scorching encore, highlighting the breadth of their musical catalog despite only having two official LPs out (plus one live album). They are touring ahead of the release of their highly anticipated (at least in my house) LP 100% Sahara Guitar that is dropping this September.

In preview materials the band, made up of family members, have said their songs are meant for dancing and encompass the myriad guitar music of their region. They showcased again Wednesday that the cacophony of sounds they bring to the table result in a hypnotic, spellbinding blend that should not be missed.

1 Response

  1. October 4, 2024

    […] In preview materials the band, made up of family members, have said their songs are meant for dancing and encompass the myriad guitar music of their region. They showcased again Wednesday that the cacophony of sounds they bring to the table result in a hypnotic, spellbinding blend that should not be missed. — Reviler […]

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