Güle Güle

Part of Tel-Aviv’s vibrant musical scene, Lior Romano grew up in a Turkish-Egyptian household and his synth-led music is drenched in these and many other influences. Güle Güle is a largely instrumental album of nostalgic Middle-Eastern grooves, Balkan accordion, funky synth bass and psych guitar solos, all pinned together with clever references, quotes and asides that are simultaneously humorous and vital. Every listening of this album reveals new layers and every aspect of it has been consciously and lovingly crafted. From the disco-inspired ‘Guzleme’, through the marriage of New Orleans groove and Arabic maqam scales (not to mention the retro video game synth harpsichord) on ‘Debka Strut’, to the porn-worthy wah and chromatic riffs of ‘Monkey’. Moroccan Gnawa, Ethiopian rhythms, desert blues, the Knight Rider theme and a reworked Israeli Eurovision entry also make cameos on this infectious record.