Tears of Injustice is the acoustic version of Mdou Moctar’s Funeral for Justice. It is an evolution of the band’s critically-adored breakout – the meditative mirror- image to the blistering original.
Here’s what the critics are saying…
“If Mdou Moctar’s terrific 2024 album Funeral for Justice was the electric sound of the furious political protest, Tears of Injustice is the mourning after” “A squiggly, five-minute rocket ship on Funeral, “Imouhar” finds a staggering new form here, eight minutes that recalls a Neil Young afternoon in Laurel Canyon one moment and an African desert the next, electric leads transformed into knotty acoustic guitars and distant drums.: “The results will find favor with folk music fans, modern guitar rebels, and inner space explorers alike.” – 4 Stars – Rolling Stone
“On Tears Of Justice,’ Mdou Moctar creates spirited acoustic rendition of 2024’s Funeral For Justice” – Glide Magazine
‘This primarily acoustic reimagining brings the artistry of the Niger-based quartet to the fore with aplomb”– Mojo
“Just as the absence of the usual guitar fireworks allows the group vocals and rhythmic elements to come strongly to the fore, the shift away from the original’s angry spirit opens up a richer well of feeling in Moctar’s pleas for a more just world”. – Uncut
Praise for Funeral For Justice
“Funeral for Justice” is, in many ways, an album of protest, of resistance, of displeasure, but it is not an album of giving up or giving in. Its thrilling sonic energy, propelled by rage, operates against defeat.” – The New Yorker
“Dazzling” – The Observer (*****)
“… an amps-on-11 polemical masterpiece that warrants worldwide respect” – MOJO (****)
“… rock revolutionaries remain wildly exciting” – NME (****)
“A cri de coeur of screaming guitars and lyrics decrying the legacy of colonialism in Niger and throughout Africa” – New York Times
“The proud sound of rebellion” – Pitchfork (8.4 – Best New Music)
“The band’s most forceful album yet, tailor-made to melt minds at massive festivals” – Rolling Stone (****)
“… use this record as a roadmap in discovering the previous odd-decade of Moctar’s talent” – The Line Of Best Fit (9/10)
“… an irresistible set that will no doubt create a serious storm when these songs are revealed on stage” – The Arts Desk (****)
“This is a band and artist working at their peak” – AllMusic (****½)
MDOU MOCTAR
OUT NOW via Matador
TRACKLIST
- Funeral for Justice (Injustice Version)
- Imouhar (Injustice Version)
- Takoba (Injustice Version)
- Sousoume Tamacheq (Injustice Version)
- Imajighen (Injustice Version)
- Tchinta (Injustice Version)
- Oh France (Injustice Version)
- Modern Slaves (Injustice Version)
