Toronto-based duo Kazdoura debuted their single “Taa” on COLORS, taking their Levantine psych-rock to the platform’s bare monochrome stage. for a stripped set putting the song’s guitar and voice fully in view.
The track opens on intricate guitar motifs over an ominous chord progression, before a steady drum groove settles underneath. Leen Hamo‘s vocal carries the phrasing of vintage Arabic pop, floating over the arrangement as it tightens through the verses and opens into a chorus built on a hypnotic, ride-cymbal-led rhythm.
Hamo, who is Syrian, and Lebanese multi-instrumentalist John Abou Chacra formed Kazdoura in Toronto. The name means “to stroll” in Levantine Arabic, and the JUNO Award-winning duo draw on Arabic maqam melodies while layering in psychedelic soul, jazz and funk. The lyrics deal with memory and the difficulty of letting go.
The COLORS premiere opens a European run that starts at Spillestedet Stengade in Copenhagen on August 28 and the Habibi Funk Festival in London on August 29 and 30. From there the duo plays the Jam Jar in Bristol on September 3, Norwich Arts Centre on September 4, Peggy’s Skylight in Nottingham on September 6, and a show in Istanbul on September 11, before Paradiso in Amsterdam on September 15 and the Reeperbahn Festival in Hamburg on September 17 and 18.
Stream “Taa” HERE and get your copy of their debut album Ghoyoum غيوم following THIS LINK