October: 8 Electro releases you need to hear this month

Acid Arab 'Musique De France' (Crammed Discs)

When we first put Acid Arab’s new album on in the Mixmag office, we all agreed about one thing: it’s completely wild. As soon as you press play, you’re greeted with ‘Buzq Blues’ and its Prodigy-esque synth rumblings before a brain-melting array of sitars come pummelling in. The Parisian duo have always drawn from worldwide influences, particularly of an Eastern flavour, with the sounds of North Africa, Lebanon, Egypt and Turkey all getting a look in. This is evident on all 11 tracks here and, whether it’s in the tribal drums, sensual vocals or huge range of instruments, you’re unlikely to hear a more diverse collection of music this year. ‘Le Disco’ sounds like an arpeggiated synth monster spliced with Arabian riffs. ‘Houria’ is a trappy half-time number that injects dread into the LP, before ‘Tamuzica’ brings everything back to the light with a more traditional take on the Eastern sound. In a world filled with monotony, it’s refreshing to hear something like this.

8/10