Imarhan – Essam is the fourth studio album from the acclaimed Tuareg collective, released via City Slang and presented here on indies exclusive transparent petrol coloured vinyl. Recorded live at the band’s own Aboogi Studio in Tamanrasset, Essam marks a bold evolution in Imarhan’s sound. While rooted in the hypnotic guitar traditions associated with Tuareg music, the album expands into more modern and exploratory territory, blending organic rhythms with subtle electronic textures and real-time modular synthesis. Produced for the first time by long-time collaborator Maxime Kosinetz alongside multi-instrumentalist Emile Papandreou (UTO), the sessions captured the communal atmosphere of Aboogi Studio — a vital creative hub where local musicians and friends contributed handclaps, vocals and energy throughout the recordings. Featuring extended versions and immersive arrangements across tracks such as Derhan N’Oulhine, Azaman Amoutay and Adounia Tochal, Essam is essential for fans of desert blues, Tuareg guitar music, experimental world music and contemporary psychedelic vinyl releases.
