Bu Bir Demdir

Alevi-German singer Aylin Yıldırım and her band of Augsburg-based musicians on saz, guitar, drums, bass and keys perform a selection of traditional Alevi poetry set to music with a rock-psych-pop feel. Following their first single ‘Derde Çare’ (which makes an appearance here) in 2023, this is their first full album and the chemistry between the four musicians is clear from their effortless grooves, sparkling saz solos and distinctive vocals. The title-track opens the album with the message ‘this is a moment, it comes and goes’ – hinting at its central message: a meeting with and through music as a level of communication. Another highlight is the juxtaposition of undulating rhythms and dark vocals on ‘Deli Gönül’. There is slightly less strut than on other more psych-orientated Anatolian records but perhaps more, well, soul. That said, you’ll hear some flighty synth on the opening number, and sprinkles of a similar nature throughout.