Sudanese music has always been intertwined with politics and social change, and Beja Power! Electric Soul & Brass from Sudan's Red Sea Coast follows that lineage. While it's an entirely instrumental record, Noori believes that bringing this music out into the world can "form the most potent act of resistance," moving in lockstep with Beja activists's ongoing cries for justice. "Al Amal," which translates to "Hope," brings some clarity to this idea. Its percussion and rhythm guitar provide a sturdy foundation for the tambo-guitar and tenor sax to intertwine elegantly. At times they mirror each other's sinuous melodies, and just as striking are the flashier solos. Their music soars in both an encouraging and focused manner, and one can credit that to their collaborative groupthink as much as their individual strengths.