Toni Geitani's latest album, Wahj ("radiance" in Arabic), embodies the spirit of Arabic electronic experimentation. As Beirut-born and Amsterdam-based composer, Geitani has crafted a masterful blend of traditional Arabic music and modern electronic sound design, creating an immersive experience that resonates deeply.
On opening track Hal, Geitani sets a contemplative tone with soaring vocals and minimalist percussion, only to unleash a sonic maelstrom in subsequent tracks Ya Sah and La. The contrast between lush, reverb-drenched synths and pounding drums creates an unsettling tension, while the industrial techno distortions of Fawqa al Ghaym inject a sense of unease.
Throughout Wahj, Geitani skillfully navigates the fine line between beauty and dissonance, conjuring up vivid landscapes that leave listeners questioning what lies beneath the surface. Tracks like Ruwaydan Ruwaydan, with its unexpected beat-switch and piercing ney flute line, showcase his versatility, while closing track Madda Mudadda descends into a crushing chaos of static and whispered melody.
Wahj is an album that defies categorization, existing in a state of dark tension where unease gives way to moments of eerie beauty. Geitani's world-building is nothing short of masterful, drawing listeners into a realm where the boundaries between sound and silence are blurred.
In this latest release, Geitani joins a growing list of diaspora artists pushing the boundaries of Arabic electronic experimentation. Alongside producers like Abdullah Miniawy and Mayssa Jallad, he is helping to forge a new sonic identity that combines traditional musical elements with modern production techniques, creating an exciting future for those seeking innovative sounds.
On opening track Hal, Geitani sets a contemplative tone with soaring vocals and minimalist percussion, only to unleash a sonic maelstrom in subsequent tracks Ya Sah and La. The contrast between lush, reverb-drenched synths and pounding drums creates an unsettling tension, while the industrial techno distortions of Fawqa al Ghaym inject a sense of unease.
Throughout Wahj, Geitani skillfully navigates the fine line between beauty and dissonance, conjuring up vivid landscapes that leave listeners questioning what lies beneath the surface. Tracks like Ruwaydan Ruwaydan, with its unexpected beat-switch and piercing ney flute line, showcase his versatility, while closing track Madda Mudadda descends into a crushing chaos of static and whispered melody.
Wahj is an album that defies categorization, existing in a state of dark tension where unease gives way to moments of eerie beauty. Geitani's world-building is nothing short of masterful, drawing listeners into a realm where the boundaries between sound and silence are blurred.
In this latest release, Geitani joins a growing list of diaspora artists pushing the boundaries of Arabic electronic experimentation. Alongside producers like Abdullah Miniawy and Mayssa Jallad, he is helping to forge a new sonic identity that combines traditional musical elements with modern production techniques, creating an exciting future for those seeking innovative sounds.