My Enemy, My Love

Iranian-born singer Mentrix's debut combines rhythms of the daf (frame drum) with haunting Gothic melodies and engaging electronics. Opener ‘Nature’ references Sufism's gnostic tradition, that inner knowledge is reached by overcoming the lower soul (nafs). Next, the intensely catchy ‘in my company, you'll feel happy’ refrain of ‘Dreams’ expresses the concept of baqa, or subsistence in God. Alongside this, driving rhythms prompt a longing to dance. ‘Loyalty’ explores surrender to God (fana). It starts with the zikr-like repetition of ‘patience and patience’ and as it progresses we hear beautiful vocal harmonies and danceable rhythms reminiscent of indie band Warpaint. The ney (flute) drone adds a haunting texture. ‘Longing’ discusses the longing for God, yet simultaneously reflects a longing for home, both physical and spiritual. The echo and multi-tracked vocals create an unsettling distance. ‘Walk’ calls for change, before it's too late, as ‘time crumbles like chalk.’ ‘Igneous Sun’ opens with minimal arrangement that shows off the beautifully crafted melody before string textures build, and a kamancheh solo sits in a bleak soundscape. Finally, ‘If’ asks what opportunities have been missed thanks to the patriarchy. The album integrates sorrowful melodies with driving rhythms of revolutionary hope. It is intelligent, mature, evocative and powerful.