Janna Aana

There have been enough qawwali- electronica fusions they could almost be their own sub-genre. The point of encounter seems to be the trance-like quality of qawwali singing, which can combine so well with beat-driven electronica. In this case Markus, a French electro-pop trio led by oud player Marc Cormier, have continued their collaboration with Shahzad Santoo Khan, who hails from one of the oldest families of qawwali musicians still active in Lahore.

However, for this, their second album, they have decided to go for a more pop style than normal. Dance beats and heavy bass lines drive the songs, with mostly simple repetitive vocal parts. Shahzad has a fine and nuanced voice, although its subtleties get a bit lost in the energetic electronic backing. Some variety is provided by collaborations from Hend El Rawy, the singer from Orange Blossom on ‘Al Gharba’ and some lovely flute from Raggy on the final track ‘Subhanallah’. The electronics are varied and well balanced, avoiding most of the clichés that are common in this style. Although it doesn’t break any new ground, this is a fun, danceable release from this French-Pakistani collaboration.