When you think of the folk genre it’s only natural to think of the household names that pioneered the folk revival of the sixties – a period which influenced and was influenced by the Civil Rights and anti-war movements. But on a rainy Monday in a venue described as ‘smaller than a living room’ – according to someone standing behind me – folk music is alive right here in Glasgow, and it’s taking on new experimental meanings.
Glasgow-based alt-folk artist Ali Sha Sha is a prime example of this. Bringing together electric guitar, a diverse pedal set-up, ambient background samples, and distinctive vocals, Ali Sha Sha creates an entire soundscape to communicate a diverse range of themes. This is alt-folk – a development of the folk genre that goes beyond acoustic instrumentation, to blend experimental sounds, introspective lyricism and emotional transparency. From works representing friendship, to a commentary of forced displacement and the politics of borders, Ali’s set can only be described as impactful and intentional due to its diversity and uniqueness.
https://alishasha.bandcamp.com
Ali Sha Sha’s presence as the support act for Tamikrest was a fitting pairing for the evening. I often find myself questioning the consistency between a support and the headliner; but the down-to-earth, emotionally and politically-driven support truly set the tone to welcome Tamikrest to the stage.
Hailing from the border of Algeria and Mali, Tamikrest formed in 2006. Combining the musical traditions of the Tinariwen culture with amplification from electronic instrumentation, Tamikrest have produced a distinctive Saharan desert rock sound, bringing a new angle to the traditional, international rock genre.
This is a form of music not commonly present in the Glasgow-scene; but a genre deeply appreciated by those in attendance nevertheless. Tamikrest are well-established within the international rock community, having released seven albums across two decades. In particular, their third studio album Chatma (2013) provided a commentary regarding the challenges faced by women in the Sahara and was awarded the Songlines Award for Best Album of the Year in 2013.
The work of this rock outfit cleverly communicates cultural critiques through the combination of passionate vocals, soulful guitar playing that looks seemingly effortless, a steel guitar, and a forceful percussion section. This is a melting pot of sounds that join together to produce one unified and clear message. With their more recent works representing the forced sedentarisation among Saharan nomadic peoples, the work of Tamikrest goes beyond people making instruments. This is music that transforms instrumental works into a language that can bridge borders for the very purpose of critiquing their existence.
During their set, Tamikrest communicated with the audience in French; yet the language barrier simply wasn’t a drawback in a space where their music and passion alone spoke for itself. This was a gig where nobody in the room was standing still and where it was impossible not to be in awe of the musicianship and aware of the deeper political meanings of their work.
As Ali Sha Sha performed, what stuck out was the raw; yet intentional vocal contrast. A dynamic range akin to that of Lesley Woods (formerly of the Au-Pairs) and the guttural calls of Kate Bush. It is clear that Ali Sha Sha has a distinctive sound and commentary to share with Glasgow vocally, instrumentally, and politically.
Ali was joined by special guest Niamh Baker (the artist behind the project Moon Soup), where the vocal pairing demanded the attention of the audience from the beginning. The instrumental layering produced a dreamy background upon which the lyrics were able to exist at the forefront of the set without being overshadowed.
What made this all the more refreshing was the fact that neither the support nor headliner used a physical setlist. It became abundantly clear that the theme of the night was authenticity and passion: care for the craft, a feel for the music, anecdotes and opinions. Everything about the music I listened to was personal.
This was a sold-out, no-frills gig. The rumble of the Glasgow Subway could be felt underfoot. On the spot changes. A captive audience and sore hands from clapping in unison with the crowd. For a few hours I felt part of something far larger than myself. That’s what live music should be: authentic, human, and lived-in.
And of course, Ali Sha Sha is keeping us on our toes by teasing some new material on the keys. I’ll be watching out for news of the experimental soundscapes that are sure to emerge from this point in Ali’s creative process. And as for Tamikrest, they’re sharing their craft and their message across the UK and Europe as they continue with their tour.