It feels somehow wrong though to refer to the particularly vibrant brand of Tuareg rock played by Etran de L’Aïr as blues, desert or otherwise. There’s an exuberance in their adrenaline-fueled anthems and frenzied jams that resists the term. The band has its roots as a touring wedding band in central Niger, and the group’s songs more often than not feel buoyed by the ecstasy of celebration, conjuring scenes of late nights dancing beneath the desert stars. 100% Sahara Guitar is the clearest vision we’ve had yet of Etran de L’Aïr’s ability to evoke such experiences.