Angathin

This is another great disc, possibly their best yet, from the Cypriot trio Monsieur Doumani. They push the musical boat out again, making use of both traditional and non-traditional instruments over rhythmically complex and inventive original compositions. The tracks take in influences from across the Greek-speaking world, as well as Turkey and the wider Balkans, with the odd hint of ska thrown in, although that could be down to the funky trombone riffs from Demetris Yiasemides. As well as the traditional feel to tracks such as ‘Fallow Fields’ and ‘Gel Burda’, I particularly liked the a tenore-like choral passages on two tracks, which add a great virtuosic vocal touch to the excellent instrumental playing. They are aided in bringing a broader range of colours to the music by guest artists such as the Cypriot rapper JUΛIO and the percussionist Alexandros Gagatsis on ‘Antics’. The disc ends with perhaps the most experimental track, ‘Little Star’, with its lush vocal backing and a haunting tzouras ostinato. While the lyrics may rightly reference the political and social issues faced by Cyprus, the island can take solace in having such brilliantly inventive musicians.