Lazywall – Dem 3la Dem (2023)
Earlier this year, I was introduced to the eclectic Moroccan trio Lazywall with their single ‘Kan Hez Yeddi’. While this was Lazywall’s debut single, it is by no means the first time the Moroccan brothers released music. With five records already out there, Nao, Youssef and Monz gained a reputation for hard-hitting melodies with energetic performances. It was after their performance at the Festival of Casablanca they realised something was missing, something special needed to be added. With ‘Kan Hez Yeddi’, the trio decided to introduce Arabic into their songs bringing a Moroccan flavour to alternative rock sounds.
Obscure, eclectic and experimental, the Arabic infusion brings a slick of the diverse to their discography. Moreover, they stand out because of their eagerness to discuss provocative issues such as climate change, social injustice and corruption. While I and most people I know have no clue what they are saying, the emotional intensity of their songs transcends language and resonates with people on a deeper level.
Following their single ‘Ghadin Nod’, ‘Dem 3la Dem’ is a bold fusion of traditional Arabic sounds meeting brash metal tones with a harsh clashing but also an underlying harmony. Opening with the simplistic oud (a lute-type, pear-shaped fretless stringed instrument), Lazywall lulls you into a charming Arabic whirl filled with bright colours and toe-tapping vibes. Once you find yourself sitting comfortably in the oud sonic pool, a forceful crescendo dislodges you from comfort pushing you into a storm of pounding drums with fierce guitars…then you go back to the soothing oud.
The twist and turn from solace to distortion keeps listeners on a rollercoaster of sound and emotion. As the melody progresses, the two movements and sounds fuse in a symphonic but turbulent musical masterpiece. As I mentioned above, Lazywall is not afraid to approach taboo topics and ‘Dem 3la Dem’ touches on the issue of climate change. I find the melody aligns perfectly with climate change and its disastrous consequences.
The oud introduces a calm ease probably expressing indifference to climate change; however, the blast of metal hits us with the damaging effects which increase as the melody progresses capturing the ever-growing despair and damage we are facing. No one needs to understand the lyrics when the ferocity of the tune grabs your breast, tosses you about and makes you understand that we need to take care of the Earth before it disappears in a mass of rain and rising temperatures.
Find out more about Lazywall on their official website, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Spotify.
This artist was discovered via Musosoup #sustainablecurator
