Mdou Moctar's reputation continues to grow among Western audiences. A breakout star of West Africa whose savvy songs blend the kinetic desert blues of his native Niger with roaring hard rock licks, the singer/guitarist has spent the past decade touring the globe and releasing a string of exciting records, mainly on American labels. Funeral for Justice, his second album for Matador, is not only a rallying dispatch against colonial oppression but also the most sonically thrilling release of his career. Arriving three years (and multiple tours) after 2021's Afrique Victime, this is the album that cements Moctar's place as a contemporary guitar god and not just one from Africa. In its present format, Mdou Moctar identifies as a band with its namesake leader joined by rhythm guitarist Ahmoudou Madassane, drummer Souleymane Ibrahim, and bassist/producer Mikey Coltun. In this way, they recall Latin American guitar hero Carlos Santana, whose tight band and boldly psychedelic album covers serve as a template for Moctar's own throwback aesthetic. The title track and opener kicks off with a thunderous '70s rock-inspired riff before segueing into the circular rhythms and intricate guitar patterns that are the group's bailiwick. Sung in the Tamasheq language, its fiery lyrics are undeniably combative, challenging African leaders to reclaim their independence and cut ties with Western oppressors. With its face-melting intro and frantic pace, "Sousoume Tamacheq" relates the plight of displaced Tuareg people as "a helpless orphan abandoned by three countries, Mali-Niger, Niger-Mali, and Algeria as the third." Though more relaxed in tone, the poignant "Modern Slaves" asks "Oh world, why be so selective about human beings? My people are crying while you laugh." Despite its lyrical intensity, there is an abundance of passion and joy in Mdou Moctar's music that can't help but spill over with communal energy. This is a band and artist working at their peak, and Funeral for Justice is a career highlight. ~ Timothy Monger