OMAR SOULEYMAN Vinyl & CDs

Review: Omar Souleyman's latest release, his fifth studio album, serves as a heartfelt tribute to Erbil, Iraq, a city that provided refuge and inspiration during turbulent times. Across eight vibrant tracks, Souleyman and his longtime collaborator Hasan Jamo also craft an electrifying fusion of techno and Dabke, reflecting the joyous experiences and newfound friendships in Erbil. Amidst his relocation, Souleyman's global presence has flourished, earning him accolades like the GQ Middle East 'Men of the Year' award in 2022 and delivering captivating performances across the Middle East, USA, and Europe. From his roots as a prolific wedding singer to his acclaimed studio albums and collaborations with artists like Bjork and Four Tet, Souleyman's journey resonates with profound cultural significance and boundless musical innovation.

Review: Depending on how you look at it, this is either Omar's seventh album (officially)... Or his five-hundred and seventh (including the wedding recordings he's made which have since been bootlegged and sold across Syria and beyond). Constantly fusing cultures, his open-armed approach to both community and songwriting reaches a new peak with tracks such as the stomping tech-twists and loopy designs of "Tawwalt El Gheba" and the frenetic, sweaty melting pot "Leil El Bareh". As disparate as the elements seem on paper, Omar's vocals and his band (many of whom he's written and performed with since the early '90s) create a consistency that ties everything together with powerful musicianship that transcends all national, culture and genre boundaries.