Jamila & The Other Heroes
‘Border Syndrome’
The Berlin-based band describe their sound as “psychedelic desert funk,” which seems as good a description as any of this meandering-but-compelling new single. Lead singer Jamila Al-Yousef, born in Berlin on the day the wall came down to a Palestinian father, imagines a Middle East without borders — in both song and spoken-word — over music that has a definite African/Middle Eastern feel rhythmically.
Eliz Murad
‘Beirut’
The French-Lebanese singer, who formerly fronted the excellent duo Teleferik, released this raw, emotional, slow-burning ‘lullaby’ to the Lebanese capital on August 4 — one year after the devastating explosion in the city’s port — in the hope that it would soothe “a difficult day.” It is, she said in a press release, “a tribute for this town and country that is a real burden for the Lebanese. Even abroad. Love and hate is in Beirut’s air and DNA.”
Khaled Hourani
‘Watermelon Flag’
Ramallah’s Zawyeh Gallery has released a limited-edition print of the Palestinian artist’s work — a reference to Israel’s ban on the public display of the Palestinian flag and its colors in the late Sixties, which continued for decades. Hourani is, according to the gallery, “a central figure in the revitalization of Palestine’s arts discourse,” a revitalization which has continued apace following Israel’s recent attacks on Gaza. “Art was remarkably present in this confrontation,” he said.
WonderGaap
‘Revival’
The Lebanese band’s latest release — which arrived at the end of July, ahead of their debut album “Recreation” — is a retro-pop earworm driven by synth stabs, reverb-heavy guitar, and a simple-but-memorable melody. Producer Fadi Tabbal adds his customary touch of stardust.
