Ew’aa

Conceived while playing Andalusian and Russian songs at a party, London-based collective Tashkezar expanded their repertoire with their 2016 debut EP Tannura which took in folk styles from the Arabian Middle East and Greece as well as the Balkans.

Egyptian lead singer Mariam Ali is the ace in the group’s pack, her rich vocals – delivered primarily in Arabic and addressing topics inspired by current events in the Middle East – serving as the glue that gels the disparate styles together on this follow-up effort. Of the highlights, opener ‘Ew’aa’ is a fine exercise in violin-led Mediterranean folk given added punch by an exultant brass section, while ‘Kullu Mamnou’ finds the group delving into bouzouki-driven Turkish psych. ‘Sahsah’, a track driven by elastic basslines and groovy guitars, adds a healthy dose of funk to the mix.

Backed by insistent percussive rhythms and sprinkled with elements of Egyptian 80s pop, the group’s effervescent new sound should also prove an enticing prospect live.