If the art of moving the cause of music forward into unknown territory and bright new futures is to take the established genres apart and put them back together in new and exciting ways, then it is fair to say that Sheykh Forever is undoubtedly a leading light in that mission.
After just one spin of “Run For Cover,” you find yourself marveling at the musical contradictions, the opposites that attract, the blending and hopping of generic boundaries that are found across its four and half minutes. The musical building blocks might be recognizable, but the sonic architecture that is being built here is thoroughly unique.
Iraqi-born Mostafa Al weaves magic here. He juxtaposes dream-pop vibes with a more funky, mainstream pop groove. He blends off-kilter rhythms with elegant accessibility. He redefines what indie music can be – if this is even indie music. We have found ourselves in a world where genres cease to be that much use to us, where tags are inapplicable, and where pop music runs along an alternate timeline, one shared only by bands such as Flaming Lips, Mercury Rev and Wasuremono.
Perhaps the most startling thing about this already startling record is that beneath the sonic washes and blankets of incredible vocal harmonies, beneath the jaunty exterior and trippy grooviness of the song, there is a melancholic yet powerful anti-war message.
Come for the sheer addictive qualities of the music; stay for the timely and timeless poignancy of the lyrics.
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