Dar Disku - Dar Disku (2024) [Hi-Res]

Mazen Almaskati and Vish M grew up together in Bahrain and moved to London to attend university, where they absorbed the finest in U.K. and European electronic beats and have mingled them with sounds that anchor them to home. They started a DJ collective and record label (both called Dar Disku) and played out extensively before releasing this self-titled debut album, which sounds like a potent and worldwise night out at the best clubs anywhere in the world. Like an exceptional DJ set, the album builds its rhythmic thrills to the top and then drops down into more of a chill mode, offering surprises along the way.

Dar Disku has made it a stated mission to find the commonalities that make people dance with feeling across the globe, tapping into the rhythms popularized across SWANA countries as well as European and American aesthetics of getting down—making them all one irresistible creation. The duo met Algerian singers Yacine El Khaldi (who appears on the first single "Dbyali") and Aymen Attia ("Galbi") on social media. They also collaborated with singer Billur Battal from Türkiye ("Sabir") and Indian-American Asha Puthli ("Baar Baar"). The arrangement of these songs are so deftly strewn together with a gift of both funk and melody that it all feels like the same language being sung.

American influence makes itself known on "Galbi," which utilizes soaring piano sounds that were born in Chicago. Puthli was a regular at Studio 54, and "Baar Baar" feels like it has spiritual guidance from Giorgio Moroder. The album winds down with "Fajr," which appropriately means dawn. Dar Disku sounds like the beginning of a new day, with all its fresh and interconnected musical possibilities. © Tamara Palmer

Tracklist:
1 Leil
2 Alsutur
3 Sabir
4 Dbayli
5 Baar Baar
6 Ya Nas
7 Galbi
8 Fajr