If Mulatu Astatke represents Ethiopian jazz and Mahmoud Ahmed's music is an Ethiopian version of soul, then Krar Collective positions itself rather in the rock corner of the music spectrum. Like the band's name implies, the sound of the krar, the traditional Ethiopian five- or six-stringed lyre, is central in the music of Krar Collective (the band mainly uses a modern amplified version of this ancient instrument). Mulatu Astatke, who campaigned for a revaluation of the krar for years, gets a fitting tribute in 'Mr Astatke'. Most of the other songs on the album ('Wello', 'Oromigna', 'Guragigna', 'Konso') represent one of the many regional styles from Ethiopia. The rhythms are not always easily digestible for Western ears, but for those willing to discover another side of the Ethiopian musical landscape this album is an absolute must.