Best of 2010: Middle East Acts

This year, at least for us here at triplew.me, was a big one. Not only was 2010 our launch year, but we witnessed a resurgence in the notion of home-grown artists wanting to make it big in their own backyard. In recognition of that, we pick our highlights and throw open a popular vote on our shortlists.

Of course, like any list – there’ll be omissions, ones we’ve missed or things we don’t know about. Please leave a comment...here they are!

How it Works

We couldn’t pick one outstanding band in one category, so we decided to pick a few and let the people decide the best from there. Voting remains open until 19 December, when our international list is published.

ARABIC

Some great Arabic-language music has come to the fore this year with releases from across the region:

Mashrou’ Leila (Beirut)

From Byblos to Doha Tribeca Film Fest, these guys have carved out a reputation second-to-none and in July provided us with our first regional interview as well!

Meen (Beirut)

Popular alt-Arabic-indie band from Beirut again proved why they’re at the top of the pile this year. Catch them live for an experience and a half.

Medley Band (Alexandria)

Perfectly constructed and performed Arabic pop/rock that will no doubt be very big, very soon. We’ve been impressed by the work ethic and talent.

ROCK

In this highly competitive (and popular!) category we have received a lot of great entries from across the regions – making this both an interesting and a tough decision.

Indie/Punk Rock

Faking It (Cairo)

Punk-esque rock from Cairo. Original and with a message, these guys stood out for their attitude and song-writing – watch out for them in 2011 as well.

The Passive Standouts (Beirut)

New to triplew.me with a late entry this year, these guys again stood out thanks to their unique sound blending elements of indie, rock ‘n roll and punk. They have a knack for catchy songs which will make you come back for seconds.

The Camel (Al Khobar)

This entry from Saudi Arabia came in the form of a concept album – which made for a highly interesting listen. The brain behind the project is also behind one of The Kingdom’s most innovative (and earliest) rock bands; Sound of Ruby.

Rock

Belm2loob (Alexandria)

The four-piece rock ‘n roll band from Egypt specializes in making intricately visceral tunes which have a very distinctive sound done so well it could very much have massive appeal.

Sho? (Dubai)

This Dubai twosome has already made a name for itself on the local scene and they are only getting better with their energetic sets.

Karma Band (Cairo)

The hard rock scene is obviously absolutely thriving in Cairo, and Karma Band is one of those bands which play rock with a heart made of metal – and it sounds darn good!

Progressive Rock

SimpleXity (Cairo)

Staying true to their name, these Egyptian progressive rockers embrace the intense composition of complex prog-rock tunes yet they mix it up in a more accessible atmosphere and it totally works.

Azraq Samawy (Alexandria)

From the coastal city of Alexandria, comes this young band with a massive passion that comes across so clear in their music – plus it’s always a delight to hear Arabic prog-rock.

Gene (Damascus)

Representing the rock scene in Syria – Gene are extremely polished and professional, which is only enhanced by an impressive level of creativity and brilliance.

ELECTRONICA & HIP HOP

It could be potentially unfair to lump these two genres in this category together, but regardless of labels the amount of innovation shown by all has been amazing.

Neobyrd (Cairo)

From his EP Naughty Boyz to collaborations with RaSh Radio, Neobyrd has shown himself to be at the front of the electronica and synth movement in the Middle East – and he’s an accomplished producer as well!

Feed Me! (Cairo)

This experimental/electronic trio from Cairo have impressed with their skills as well as their innovation. Their music gives a fresh yet compelling perspective on what the region has to offer.

The Narcicyst (Dubai/Iraq/Montreal)

Going from strength to strength with another release this year, Mr Asthmatic, The Narcicyst shows that Middle East hip hop talent can get noticed on ‘the outside' - inspirational.

METAL

Metal has always been a popular genre in the region, and with the Makshoof entries this hasn’t proved any different. It’s always fantastic to hear a (regional!) variation on what can be described as an accomplished sound.

The Crow Murder (Dubai)

This Dubai-based band intelligently mixes different styles under the more general umbrella of Metal – and they put on a great head-bangin’ show. Watch out for their full release in 2011.

Massive Scar Era (Mascara) (Cairo)

Darkly melodic and dramatically tough is the type of music you can expect from this Egyptian band. Comprised of four members – three of which are females, that's not to say the music is softer but it adds that special balance.

THEE PROjECT (Bahrain)

Representing Bahrain on the list – the quality of the tracks is top notch and beyond the head-banging this is definitely a group of highly skilled musicians with a perfected vision.

ALTERNATIVE

RaSh Radio (Cairo)

Singer-songwriter Rashad or RaSh Radio proves that an acoustic guitar and an intense passion for music can go a long way – there is a certain degree of creativity which he brings to the table and to pull that off a certain degree of talent is needed. He has it in spades. Watch this space.

Noush Like Sploosh (Dubai)

Her image is a troubadour of the sorts and a charming one at that. With songs equally harmonious and quirky – Noush Like Sploosh made quite an impact with her entry and live performances in 2010.

Tim Hassall (Dubai)

Dubai-based Tim Hassall churns out personal songs with his signature vulnerable quality. Coupled with superb production his indie tunes came to life on his latest release.