OMAR SOULEYMAN

Shlon MAD DECENT / BECAUSE MUSIC

7/10

Romance poetry meets techno Before civil war drove him from his native Syria, Omar Souleyman performed at weddings. Fourth studio album Shlon is in some senses a return to his roots, combining the lush Arabic romance poetry of collaborator Moussa al Mardoud with Hasan Alo’s techno arrangements. The title track is as urgent as a fire alarm, but fellow Syrian Azad Salih’s skills on the stringed saz will properly take your breath away. “Shi Tridin” goes full Eurotrash disco, while on “Mawwal” and “3tini 7obba” Souleyman and co channel Arabic traditions: Egyptian balladry and the fast pace of ‘dabke’ folk dance.