Tunng with Tinariwen @ The Picture House, 21 Mar

The spring World Music Program at the Picturehouse has a wealth of acts playing from all over the globe, but few of the shows intrigue quite like this. It was Radio 3's Late Junction who initiated the collaboration between folktronica sextet Tunng and Malian group Tinariwen, and prompted this tour. Language and cultural barriers mean that both groups have had to rely on their music as the only communication.

As the nights starter, Tunng deliver an underwhelming DJ set, packed with African rhythms and dub bass lines, perhaps as an attempt to assert their global credentials, which duly inspires audience chatter rather than dancing. Then emerge Tinariwen for a short set, colourful yet earthy, their golden call and response vocals fascinate, engulfing the room. Initially all is well as Tunng join them, as they trade verses and share each others' songs. But there emerges a discomfort about the English outfit, who are a little insipid compared to their more exotic guests, and by the midway stage, a gulf in quality between the groups is appearing. When a sampler, integral to Tunng's sound, has to be cut as it loses time, it is Tinariwen who rise to rescue the song. It's a shame they weren't given the reins more often.