This is an incredible leap forward for this band of outlaw musicians from the deserts of Mali. Their second proper album finds Tinariwen in full command of their electric guitars, with interlocking rhythm parts punctuated by scorching bluesy lead breaks, massed vocals and hair-raising vocal sounds in the background. With their loose feel, Tinariwen is the African equivalent of great rock and roll, what classic-era Rolling Stones might have sounded like had they meet in a Malian refugee camp and were more outspoken (the band’s records are banned in both Mali and Algeria). They’re also more easy on the ears to Western rock fans than the late great Ali Farka Toure, who is the obvious point of reference. There are beautiful textures here and the album closer is an acoustic gem. Water is Life should make any list for top World music albums for 2007.

Paul Barr is from Readings Carlton.