Songhoy Blues (photo: Transgressive Records)

Two years ago, Songhoy Blues burst on to the Western music scene with their debut album Music in Exile. They were forced into exile from their home of Timbuktu, Mali after the country was taken over by Islamic extremists, but their mixture of desert punk and blues was met international acclaim. Since then, they have traveled the world, opening for artists like Julian Casablancas, Damon Albarn, and Alabama Shakes. This year, they have released two singles from their upcoming sophomore album Résistance, which will be released by Transgressive/ Fat Possum on June 16. On October 20, you can see Songhoy Blues at Bimbo’s 365 Club, where they will be sure to bring their unique brand of Malian funk and blues. Their guitar music is heavily influenced by Ali Farka Touré, and of their influences, band member Garba Toure says that, “We grew up listening to old music by the Beatles, Jimi Hendrix and John Lee Hooker. But our main diet was hip hop and R&B. We can’t stay in the traditional aesthetic of our grandparents; that was another time. Besides, we love electric guitars too much.”

Songhoy Blues
Bimbo’s 365 Club
October 20, 2017
9pm, $25 (21+)