Kazdoura’s Debut Album ‘Ghoyoum’ is A Tribute to All Victims of War

Toronto-based Arabic indie band Kazdoura has unveiled their debut full-length studio album ‘Ghoyoum’. Rooted in Levantine Arabic music, the album experiments with various genres, fusing Arabic maqams with psychedelia, jazz and dream pop elements.

Contemplative and introspective at best, the album further expands on the themes of displacement and mental illness, which the duo previously explored in their EP ‘Khayal’. They shed light on the challenges faced by migrants, transforming their lived experiences into compelling sonic storytelling deeply rooted in their Arab cultural heritage with influences from 70s Turkish rock.

“We decided to release the album on March 15th –which is the anniversary of the Lebanese movement and one day before the Syrian revolution anniversary, a date on which we celebrate freedom because we believe in the power of our people to stand up for their rights.’’ Kazdoura took to Instagram to announce their album, “The album is dedicated to all Syrian, Lebanese and Palestinian refugees and all victims of war around the world.”

‘Hamool El Safar’, one of the album’s lead singles, is a folk taalila tune pinned by Mosab Al-Namoire and inspired by the countryside in Eastern Syria along the Euphrates River. Meanwhile, ‘Titi titi’ mediates the feeling of homesickness through poignant lyricism, painting vivid images of a homeland that’s filled with smoke, darkness and wilted roses, complimented by a mellow groovy production and bittersweet saxophone notes.