Even though not many in the international population are aware of it, there's a growing community of underground bands in the middle east playing a distinct hybrid of rock with Arabic lyrics. Not all attempts are good, but some are truly brilliant and worthy of more exposure than the local media companies provide. Here are some of the best...
Tinariwen - Cler AchelThe rebel Bedouin boys make it sound like there should be guitars growing in the desert; blissful grooves and hypnotic chants.
Jordanian band boast their hard-hitting
original lyrics on this moody rock piece.
Local group shows a lot of promise on this
great fusion track that's unique in that it uses a darker, mellower rock sound
featuring a female vocal that adds a cool touch.
A brilliant track with some especially elevating guitar moments from the legendary Iraqi musician\poet\director.
Jordanian pioneers introduce an excellent
rattling riff that pulls you into the alternate take on a love song; fun and
very much ready for radio.
One of our own guitar virtuoso Ousso's
musical projects, Nagham Masry, performs a mind blowing rendition that features
an especially awesome solo by the man himself!
Souad Massi - BladiThe music doesn't get much cooler than this and the fusion can never manage to strike such a perfect balance as Algerian Souad Massi simply does.
