This band continue to amaze with every new release
01/17/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"The amazing thing about Tarika is that every new record they make is both different from the one before, and full of variety within itself. Compared with say soukous bands, rai bands, mbalax bands who have only a handful of variations on a basic regional style, Tarika always come up with new ideas which nevertheless fit perfectly in their overall style. On this new album they've gone for Malagasy dance styles, but every track is a fresh surprise. Some of this is because they've brought in a few different western instruments (violin, clarinet, harmonica) - all of which I believe are commonly found in Madagascar - and once again they've used a different producer, but it's the range of ideas that is so breathtaking. I particularly like three contrasting tracks: "Mihestika" which is one of the wildest thing's they've ever done, "Raitra" which is a gorgeous ballad and sounds almost Polynesian, and "Retany" which is such a bouncy, catchy opener it ought to be out there as a pop single, but it's all great. Well done Hanitra and the gang, and producer Hijaz too."