Syria Calling

Sublime Frequencies is a record label that introduces new musical delights of the world to western ears, in a similar tradition as ethnomusicological and folk preservation imprints such as Smithsonian Folkways, but with certain fondness for the eccentric rather than anything conservatively authentic.

Rural as well as urban sounds, modern as well as archival, mostly from Southeast Asia, North Africa and the Middle East, have dominated their ever expanding catalogue of eclectic releases. One cornerstone in their repertoire is amusing radio collage's acquired while travelling, recording local radio in places like Morocco and India and later remixing the result in clever ways, simple and effective.

Right now the label are touring Europe with a showcase featuring two of their affiliated acts, Western Sahara's electrifying Group Doueh and Syria's Omar Souleyman with his synthetic and cathy woobling groove. I'm going to catch the tour tonight at Sodra Teatern and advise you to do the same!

For an in depth review of a few earlier Sublime Frequencies releases visit Dusted Magazine and for an interview with it's head honcho Alan Bishop check out The Believer.