Customer Reviews

D

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

The amazing thing about Tarika is that every new record they make is both different from the one before, and full of variety within itself. Compared with say soukous bands, rai bands, mbalax bands who have only a handful of variations on a basic regional style, Tarika always come up with new ideas which nevertheless fit perfectly in their overall style. On this new album they've gone for Malagasy dance styles, but every track is a fresh surprise. Some of this is because they've brought in a few different western instruments (violin, clarinet, harmonica) - all of which I believe are commonly found in Madagascar - and once again they've used a different producer, but it's the range of ideas that is so breathtaking. I particularly like three contrasting tracks: "Mihestika" which is one of the wildest thing's they've ever done, "Raitra" which is a gorgeous ballad and sounds almost Polynesian, and "Retany" which is such a bouncy, catchy opener it ought to be out there as a pop single, but it's all great. Well done Hanitra and the gang, and producer Hijaz too.

Characteristic female-led communal vocals and spidery Malagasy strings with a wide range of add-ons that vary across tracks. Curious mix of African, Polynesian, Brazilian, and Portuguese musics that often mix to offer high-spirited party music, but rarely reach the driving dance groove of zouk or disco. More warm and breezy than hot and high-stepping. Political heat arises more often than sexual heat. These dances usually float on the breeze lightly enough to go on forever, cruising in sync with some deep undulating spirit that sustains a warm buzz. CD offers a mix of Tarika originals with what are apparently classic, popular dance tunes from Madagascar. Stand-outs: tr 9-Ditra (original driving dance with a steely core and a cool fiddle-horn bridge). tr 13-Sanadera (original, anthemic social dance whose settings continually morph as it drives on).

This is the only Tarika album I've heard and I love it. The sound is rich and detailed, the rhythms and arrangements fascinatingly complex and there's lots of joy and energy. The musicians in this band are highly skilled and supremely confident, and there's quite an array of colourful instruments used. They obviously enjoy what they do, and so do I.

After having San Egal as one of my favorite albums. I special ordered "D" obtaining a used copy. I was sorely disappointed. It does not have the same rythmic characteristics of previous albums.

To me. "D" is for dull or disappointing. Save your money and get an earlier Tarika album.

After the heavy, political/historical "Son Egal", Tarika decided to lighten up by covering several favorite Madagascar dance singles; these account for half of the "D" album. This seems to have perked up Tarika's own songwriting skills. Their songs here are more melodic and memorable than anything they'd done yet. The band members, particularly guitarist Ny Ony, are given more room to express themselves than on previous albums. Ny Ony's electric guitar and Donné's kabosy blend to exciting effect on "Mihetsika." "Raitra," "Retany," and "Ditra" are also highlights. "Cocorico" and "Bonne Année" are standouts among the cover tunes.