Kazdoura
“Khayal”
August 4 Records
If you’re a fan of an act like Khruangbin, you just found your next favorite band.
Kazdoura’s “Khayal” came out last year but it’s just starting to gain traction on my radio show. Everytime I play it, someone sends me a text or an e-mail asking, “Who the hell was that?”
It’s not just me starting to take notice of this mighty Toronto duo. Syrian vocalist Leen Hamo is a rising star. Lebanese multi-instrumentalist John Abou Chacra is her secret weapon. I’m so glad these two randomly met at a fundraiser for Beirut back in 2020, because we wouldn’t have this music otherwise.
Thankfully, Canada actually has a support system for artists, so the national megaphone should broadcast it strongly to the rest of the world. (Of course, you can tell them you heard about it here first from your trustworthy DJ Ryan.)
This sweet little groover of a track turns a breezy bassline and sax outro into something monumental thanks to the entrancing vocals of Hamo. The magic here is this beautiful blend of traditional and contemporary Arabic music mixed with funk and soul with a psychedelic edge.
Kazdoura means “to stroll” in Levantine Arabic. That’s exactly what this track does – strolls into your playlist and becomes your new favorite song. And Kazdoura is bound to be your new favorite band.
