Coming soon: International

Review: Swaken marks the sophomore release from Moroccan-French powerhouse quartet Bab L' Bluz, following their lauded debut 'Nayda!' Recorded at Real World Studios, the album showcases the songwriting and production talents of Yousra Mansour and Brice Bottin. Exploring the concept of "possession" in Darija (Arabic for "everyday/colloquial dialect"), Swaken delves into the haunting spirits that influence human experience, transcending mere trance to evoke a profound musical connection. Drawing from Chaabi music and the Lilas of the Gnaoua tradition, Swaken embodies a relentless pursuit of justice and defiance of norms. Musically dynamic, the album expands upon Nayda!'s foundation, delivering eleven compelling tracks of psychedelic Gnawa blues, brimming with intelligence, emotion and raw vitality.