If He Dies, If If If If If If

Genre: folk, experimental, Arabic

Creative, emotive album from this Canadian-based Lebanese artist. Jerusalem in My Heart synthesizes influences from Arabic wedding music and experimental electronic music into a wholly original, yet relatable, whole. One of my favorites from 2015. For english lyrics check out this link: http://cstrecords.com/if-he-dies-lyrics/

Favorites: 3, 8, 7, 6, 2. No FCCs (all in Arabic).

1. (2:14) Al Affaq, Lau Mat, Lau Lau Lau Lau Lau Lau - Male vox in Arabic. Subtle digital effects warp his voice. Dramatic, elegiac.
2. (7:08) ** A Granular Buzuk - Subtle motorik drum beat and synth underpin slow guitar plucks. Gradually, more buzuk layers are added until the track evolves into a hypnotic mess. Instrumental.
3. (4:33) **** 7ebr El 3oyoun - LOVE this song. Begins very formless with lone voice and drone before progressively upping the tempo and ramping into a heartfelt climax. One of my favorites from 2015.
4. (5:06) Qala Li Kafa Kafa Kafa Kafa Kafa Kafa - Bristling noise roars over buzuk. Gradually fades away before returning with another noise assault (don’t get me wrong though, this isn’t merzbow).
5. (3:39) Lau Ridyou Bil Hijaz - Mid tempo. Warbling synth, quiet vox, and drum machine.
6. (5:08) ** Ta3mani; Ta3meitu - Mal vox + buzuk. Totally mesmerizing. Ends cold.
7. (7:26) ** Ah Ya Mal El Sham - Wonderful flute playing lays the foundation for impassioned vocals. A plea to Syria. Droning and gentle.
8. (5:36) *** 2asmar Sa7ar - Instrumental. Ocean field recording. Awesome buzuk playing that seems to tug back and forth with the tide of the ocean. Great closing track.