Adonis - Daw L Baladiyyi

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A collection of eleven Arabic folk songs, ‘Daw L Baladiyyi’ is the debut album from six-person strong band Adonis. Read below for triplew.me's review of the album.

Starting out as a musical project, Adonis – a band of six musicians with eclectic influences and instruments – began atop a rooftop in an elusive northern suburb. Their aim was to stay clear of stagnant pop structures and build their own musical identity.

‘Daw L Baladiyyi’ is their debut release and they’ve certainly not disappointed. This eleven-track album is a beautiful medley of tender moments, hushed conversations and neighbourhood stories.

Adonis hail the ordinary, their lyrics trace the residential back alleys of Beirut and focus on the lives of its residents. This is music from the streets of the city – you can follow the line of the claustrophobic buildings and tight alleyways and hear people’s affectionate arguments through the walls.

With gentle words sung in Arabic, a shimmying backbeat, and waves of piano, strings, sax and synth. This is Lebanese gypsy music – Adonis waver in between Arabic folk, beaming pop and fast paced shanties – the melodies whirl with upbeat melodies and a ramshackle orchestra.

Highlights of the album are ‘Daw L Baladiyyi’ – a sweeping folky romancer and ‘Ma Endi Fekra’ a song with an almost military style melody and a sinister back beat.

Adonis are at their best, not on their slow moving ballads, but when they lose themselves in the chaos, build a mish mash of instruments and are playfully provocative.

Adonis - Daw L Baladiyyi Video

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