Since making his first recordings in 2008, singer and guitarist Mdou Moctar has gradually amassed an international audience on the strength of his earlier albums, which have ranged from live recordings to the acoustic compositions found on 2017’s Sousoume Tamachek, as well as his reputation as an engaging live musician. Recorded in Detroit and Niger, Ilana (The Creator) powerfully captures the energy of Mdou Moctar’s live show, both via the interplay of the quartet of musicians heard here and via the searing lead guitar work heard across the album. That’s not to say that this album is all guitar heroics and nonstop instrumental workouts — though those are certainly present. But just as Mdou's past work has showcased his stylistic range, so too does this album feature a dynamic range, as heard on the restrained and trance-like “Tumastin” and the title song, which decries French uranium mining in Niger. Listeners seeking impressive displays of musical virtuosity would do well to explore “Tarhatazed” and “Kamane Tarhanin,” which feature more guitar heroics. Ilana (The Creator) blends excellent feats of musicianship with welcome instrumental chemistry; it’s a fantastically-made and played rock album from beginning to end. © Tobias Carroll / Qobuz