Industrial-gothic-synth pop from Jeddah delivers riveting, self-assured full-length debut.
There seems to be a renaissance across the region when it comes to experimental, industrial electronic music, making little ripples, but gradually evolving and growing.
So even though we were not surprised to come across this project, we were floored by the complexity and quality on offer.
The Jeddah-based artist known as Statues of Sunken Men, has produced a commanding and forceful entry into a movement that might seem in its infancy. What this record offers is a sense of possibility of how this sound can grow into its own.
What this record offers is a sense of possibility of how this sound can grow into its own. Think John Wick taking a stroll through the horrors of Mordor
From the industrial influences of early 80s electronica to the layered beats, and from the atmospheric waves to the darkened vocals that recall early Depache Mode, this grabs hold of you and doesn't let go till its over.
In the likes of ‘Criminal’ and ‘Lady with the Shadow Eyes’, you find something that is both attractive yet quite unnerving, and influences that range from Nine Inch Nails to Tool.
Frontman Abdulmalik Zubailah says that the project is an outlet for him to express every emotion, good or bad, positive or negative, and that is very clear from listening to this debut album.
The 8-track LP also features a couple of instrumentals that are just as moody and cinematic. Think John Wick taking a stroll through the horrors of Mordor.
Rating: 4/5
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