WOMAD

Orange Blossom

From Algeria, France, Mexico

No-one could accuse the music of Orange Blossom of sitting on a fence, unable to decide which side it’s on. Their manifesto is one that’s committed and critical, strong on attitude and high in drama, an inclusive internationalist sound that stamps its passport in the Middle East, Europe and West Africa. Led by the at-times agitated vocals of French-Algerian frontwoman Leila Bounos, the band’s razorsharp guitars, brooding Massive Attack-esque soundscapes and Leftfield-like beats give an urgent impulse. The full horn section and the swooping strings add to the momentum, as does the no-compromise title of their recent record, Everything Must Change. The edge is omnipresent – just check out the album’s opening track, Maldito, with its rapped line “It’s the same bullshit, over and over”. In light of the recent disturbances in the band’s adopted home of France, this is vital urban music that holds complete relevance. It’s the sound of any city, anywhere in the world.Catch This If You Like… Rachid Taha or Natacha Atlas