Since Chris Martin cited Tinariwen as having a great influence on Coldplay’s latest album Viva La Vida, there has been a huge surge of interest in the Tuareg guitar band.

That, combined with a support slot for The Rolling Stones, a performance at Glastonbury, nominations for the BBC World Music Awards and top-ten slots in music critic’s end-of-the year lists.

It’s therefore no surprise their Bank Holiday gig at Komedia was completely sold out, despite the £19.50 ticket price.

The band have been seducing European audiences with their unique desert blues since the release of their distinct yet raw debut back in 2001, and this was their second sell-out visit to Komedia.

The intimate venue suited the band well, emphasising their hypnotic guitar grooves and soulful, weathered vocals.

Dressed in traditional robes and gazing out from beneath thick headscarves, they transported us from our damp summer to the scorching rebel camps of the southern Sahara, where the band were formed.

Singing and chanting in French and Tamashek, their lyrics cover the subject of independence for their people from the government of Mali, and each song possessed a heartfelt intensity which was totally mesmerising.