{"product_id":"imarhan-essam","title":"Imarhan - Essam","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eESSAM \u003c\/em\u003eis the band’s fourth album, recorded with the same core lineup, but marks a significant shift in their sound and approach. Musically, it marks a departure from the rocky, bluesy, psychedelic Tuareg guitar-driven sound influenced by Tinariwen’s heritage—moving toward something more open, modern, and exploratory.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFor the first time, their long-time sound engineer, Maxime Kosinetz, stepped in as producer. He travelled to Tamanrasset with Emile Papandreou (of the French duo, UTO), a multi-instrumentalist who introduced electronic elements by sampling live instruments and reprocessing them in real time with a modular synthesizer—subtly reshaping the band's sonic identity.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe album was recorded mostly live, in one big room at Aboogi Studio—the band’s own rehearsal and recording space in Tamanrasset. The studio, a converted concert hall, has become a kind of cultural hub for the local youth. Friends dropped by during the sessions to contribute handclaps, vocals, and just be part of the energy. It’s a space where people gather, hang out, play dominoes, smoke chicha—a rare communal spot in a city that doesn’t offer many for young people, somewhat like a youth and community center.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"CITY SLANG","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":53021501227350,"sku":"MRM-01484","price":13.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1000\/6088\/9430\/files\/5ef1c737ba7821fbf577cecdf01143e5.png?v=1775194052","url":"https:\/\/monorailmusic.com\/products\/imarhan-essam","provider":"Monorail Music","version":"1.0","type":"link"}