Mdou Moctar Explode With Sound at LA's Lodge Room
If you happen to be unfamiliar with the music of Mdou Moctar and they happen to be playing a concert in or near your city, let this review of their show at Los Angeles’ Lodge Room be the thing to push you over the edge and buy a ticket. Check out our full review below.
Coming all the way from Niger and selling out two nights in Los Angeles must have been a big feat for the band, but those who got to witness the greatness of Mdou Moctar know full well that it’s only the beginning. Tearing down the stage and ripping through an hour worth of their hits, especially those off their just released record Afrique Victime, we were instantly put into a trance-like state after the first song finished.
While there were seemingly infinite moments we could talk about or explain, the true highlight was the complete immersive feeling that the band put together for the show. Their complete sound from song to song is quite similar, and it’s even a little difficult to sense when one song finishes and the next starts, however we felt that was part of the charm. Instead of the start, stop, start method, Mdou Moctar carefully arranged their set list to be an experience rather than a straightforward and modern concert. For that, we know whenever they make their way to Los Angeles, we’ll be there front and center.
As mentioned, if you’re unfamiliar with their music, they’re putting together modern adaptations of Tuareg guitar music. It’s incredibly psychedelic, captivating, and will grab even the most passive of music listeners to make them realize they’re hearing something special. Blowing up as of recent and being signed to Matador Records has surely been a help, but with the power of the internet and word of mouth, it won’t be long until every experimental music lover is praising their name.
Of course the show itself from start to finish was amazing as we think we’ve made that clear, but the real intention of this write up is a serious push to get you to check out their music as soon as possible. We’d recommend starting with their latest record Afrique Victim and working your way backwards. There’s plenty of gems to discover, so do yourselves a huge favor and get into it!
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