Shkoon's 'Greater Than One' EP Finds Hope in Humanity

Syrian-German electronic band Shkoon has released their highly-anticipated EP, ‘Greater Than One’, following months of world tour madness, where the duo focused on creating music live in collaboration with their audience during the shows.

Although on their last album, ‘Masahiya’, was a patchwork blurring the lines between reality and fiction, ‘Greater Than One’ chose to stay in the present, where intention-filled instrumentals and obstinate lyrics firmly hold down their hope in humanity.

Across four tracks, Shkoon bolsters their signature blend of traditional Middle Eastern instrumentals and contemporary electronics with more vulnerability than ever before, capturing the emotional depth and nuances of what it means to be a human in the ‘modern world ’- a relatable portrayal of armageddon.

The EP’s opener, ‘Jadal’, is a melodic techno interplay of groovy synths, deep basslines and soulful violin strings, inspired by moments suspended between action and silence. The track unfurls into gradual piano progressions and rich oud arrangements, intersected with ethereal vocals, reflecting on one’s inner conflict and their inner nature for resilience amid a region that’s perpetually on the edge. 

‘Souf’, the EP’s second preview single, follows with a trance-inducing melody, weaving classical piano notes and incessant drum patterns with traditional Sufi chants. Built around vocal invocations like ‘Ya Madad’ and ‘Ya Jamil’, the track serves as a longing for a spiritual connection that almost feels hypnotic, where one can surrender to their emotions and discover the self.  Meanwhile, ‘Mili’ is a more spacey, softer track, a slower-tempo love song that reflects on the beauty of intimacy and being truly seen. 

The closing track, ‘Jannah’, stands out as one of the most powerful moments on the EP. Driven by fast-paced rhythms and multi-layered instrumentations, the track paints an image of hope and healing, reaffirming the promise of a brighter future, a heavenly and welcoming space where the Arab world ultimately finds peace.