What an astounding follow-up! We had the pleasure of reviewing Al-Qasar’s work in 2022, but this sophomore release (at least as far as we know) is a compilation of covers including Depeche Mode’s seminal classic Personal Jesus. From the band’s Bandcamp site:
“With this second full length, Al-Qasar consolidate their brand of “Arabian fuzz”, an explosive mix of Middle Eastern grooves, American heavy psychedelia and North African trance music. Producer Thomas Attar’s brazenly electric and deeply connected approach to global sounds takes it a step further, setting the bar for what a rock project can accomplish on an artistic, cultural, and social level in the 21st Century. The multiculturalism that emanates from Al-Qasar’s grooves and lyrics feels genuine, because it is just like the world we inhabit, poetically putting forth notions of social justice, equality, and empowerment.
Oud genius Nada Mahmoud (of the National Tunisian Orchestra), appears on two tracks : BLUE TATAOUINE is a Jodorowsky-esque sci-fi trip through the Sahara, showcasing Nada’s deep musicality and oud virtuosity. The second, SSIR W ZTAM is a cover of Sean Paul’s Get Busy, Moroccan singer Sami Galbi letting loose his 3.0 take on raï and chaabi music.”
