Album Reviews

House of Strength

My Enemy, My Love is the wonderfully distinctive and powerful debut album from Iranian born, Berlin-based multi-instrumentalist, composer and Sufi-inspired singer Samar Rad, aka Mentrix. A heady, intoxicating clash of eastern and western cultures, the record explores Rad’s experiences of growing up in Iran before being forced to flee war to France and then moving back home as a teenager. Reflecting her relationship with the contrasting worlds that she has lived in and been pulled towards and away from, Rad fuses elements of traditional music with distinctly modern aesthetics. Drawing on traditional Persian poetry, but dealing with issues around womanhood and resilience, Rad uses traditional Iranian instruments including a tombak (goblet drum), kamancheh (bowed string instrument), ney (flute) and a daf (large frame drum.) These sounds slam wildly against potent drum machines, deep bass and modern sensibilities. Her lyrical vocals skip across highly rhythmical Sufi instruments, through manipulated sounds and ethereal atmospheres to create an ever-evolving soundscape that feels shrouded in mystery. Stretched-out compositions become almost trance-like, others seethe with ferocity, defiance and attitude and some soar with intensity and passion. Power surges throughout the entire record as Rad signals a show of strength for women around the world. A highly ambitious project, executed with confidence and authenticity, My Enemy, My Love is a mesmerising journey across continents and centuries. It marks the arrival of a highly distinctive, bold and exciting new talent who has a lot to say. Tom Jones ADD THESE TO YOUR PLAYLIST:

Nature, Loyalty, If| 9/10