Palestinian composer, pianist and singer Faraj Suleiman has released his latest album, ‘Maryam’. The 10-track project takes a significant shift in tone and direction from his recent work, shaped by the stark contrasts of life before and after the onset of war on Gaza.
Suleiman’s longtime collaborator, Amer Hlahel, played a key role in the album’s creation, contributing to songwriting and guiding its organic development. ‘Maryam’ begins with themes of love and energy, then takes a darker turn midway through its narrative, marked by a tonal shift in the sixth track. This transition mirrors the impact of war on Faraj’s creative process, capturing themes of grief and transformation.
The album’s title track, ‘Maryam’, serves as its centrepiece, exploring themes of longing and despair. Suleiman delivers one of his most experimental vocal performances in this piece, evoking the pain of searching for someone amidst chaos.
Thematically, Maryam spans a spectrum of loss, from romantic and physical to existential. It balances its somber elements with tender moments, utilising folk-inspired instrumentation and warm vocal harmonies. While deeply rooted in the realities of war, the album avoids overt contextual details, allowing listeners from diverse backgrounds to connect with its message.
