#dar disku

For my first ever post on tumblr I figured I’d start with the newest addition to my collection.

This is Dar Disku, the self titled debut album from Bahraini DJ duo Mazen Almaskati and Vish M. Released in September 2024, it’s electrifying album featuring a fresh blend of sounds and styles from around the world.

(Each track is sung in Arabic)

Favorite track: Sabir ft. Billur Battall

The guitar on this track blends traditional Arab notes with twangy electric guitar in such a satisfying and groovy way that I had it on repeat well over 20 times in only an hour.

Rating: 8/10

Each track brings something special to the table and it’s very easy to listen through the whole thing in a single sitting. It gives me fond memories of my time living in Egypt when I was younger, such rich culture and style that feels so secluded from the mainstream scenes. Each featured vocalist has wonderful range and sound amazing, coupled with the up beat instruments bring a spectacular warmth to my ears. I rate it a 8/10 only because I anticipate even better things from Dar Disku in the future.

Today’s listening is a showcase of diaspora sets from DJs and collectives based in London:

Mehmooni Soundsystem take us on a tour of Persian classical, pop, bandari and everything in-between. https://www.mixcloud.com/Mehmooni_Radio/mehmooni-soundsystem-radio-alhara-mix/

Dar Disku bring the Psychedelic funk and disco from the Middle East, Mediterranean and North Africa. https://soundcloud.com/dardisku/dar-disku-bahar-selection-arabic-disco-pop-soul-beyond/s-WOLqtbsS729

During my most recent South Coast visit Smugglers put on an evening of banging choons (I believe thats the operative phrase) featuring Vish of Dar Disku, a label celebrating funk and disco from across Arabia, and the joint forces of local heavyweights Mobile Library Music and Diverse Frequencies aka Mobile Frequencies.  Go and check all of these fellas out and show them some lurve – I wont even attempt to describe the all types/genres/species of music I heard that night but needless to say I had a camera……..I have a hazy memory of a Turkish version of  the Rod Stewart ‘classic’, Dya Think Im Sexy – nuff said.

SMUGGLERS RECORDS

MOBILE LIBRARY MUSIC |  DAR DISKU  |  DIVERSE FREQUENCIES