Al-Qasar - Uncovered (2024) [Hi-Res]

UNCOVERED, the latest album by the international psychedelic collective Al-Qasar, is a unique blend of Western pop and Arab folk, transformed into retro-futuristic Arab psychedelia. Featuring 7 tracks (4 covers and 3 originals), the album fuses cultures and styles—from Depeche Mode in Turkish and Sean Paul in Arabic to Nubian legends and Lebanese classics—reimagined through heavy psychedelia and trance rhythms.

Produced across Tunis, Lisbon, Los Angeles, London, and Paris, the album showcases the sound crafted by producer Thomas Attar, with contributions from mixing engineer Matt Hyde and mastering expert Frank Merritt. The diverse lineup includes artists from 9 nationalities, such as Sudanese-American singer Alsarah, Malian vocalist Mamani Keita, Tunisian oud virtuoso Nada Mahmoud, and Turkish singer Sibel.

The tracks range from the politically charged PROMISES, performed by Mamani Keita and Cheick Tidiane Seck, to the sci-fi-inspired BLUE TATAOUINE featuring extraordinary oud performances. A cover of Depeche Mode’s KİŞİSEL İSA is sung in Turkish and played on an electric saz, while the Lebanese classic BISSAHA TLAQAYNA is reimagined as a psych-rock anthem with vocals by Mariam Hamrouni.

Al-Qasar solidifies their "Arabian fuzz" style, offering a modern interpretation of global sounds with a focus on social justice, equality, and multiculturalism, perfectly capturing the spirit of the 21st century.

Tracklist:
1 Kişisel İsa (Personal Jesus) (feat. Sibel)
2 Desse Barama (feat. Alsarah)
3 Blue Tataouine (feat. Nadah Mahmoud)
4 Ssir w ztam (Get Busy) (feat. Sami Galbi)
5 Promises (feat. & Cheick Tidiane Seck, Mamani Keita)
6 Enyio Nkondon (feat. & Cheick Tidiane Seck, Mamani Keita)
7 Bissaha Tlaqayna (feat. Mariam Hamrouni)