Review of Mashrou' Leila's (الحل الرومانسي) 'El Hal Romancy' Album

The band's second project, "El Hal Romancy," translates to "The Romantic Solution." It combines a pure Arabic sound with incredible rock influences. The first track opens the album as an introduction to the band's new direction. The melody of "El Mouqadima," the introduction to "Habibi," takes you on a journey where you dive heart-first, head-second. I love the extended use of my favorite Arabic word, "Habibi," which is also the title of the second track. This track starts immediately after the intro, blending the two pieces into one extraordinary rock performance. The lyrics of the second song are powerful, expressing the detachment of someone who is not eager to self-reflect but rather blames the forces around him.

The band never fails to deliver poetry beyond words, with absolutely stunning truths that evoke feelings and memories that are not easy to control. Immersing oneself in Arabic culture and music reveals masterfully written shared experiences, painted with the wave of emotional music full of depth. I dislike that my discovery of these songs is tied to only one person and that I fear losing my connection to them if he disappears. As I struggle to find a way out of a love that has consumed my existence over the past few months, "Inni Mneeh" begins. The third track, sometimes written as "Inni Mnih," embodies the spirit of someone who is down like me. It describes someone who tried many times to build something but ultimately failed. His ambition was crushed under the ruins, and he eventually lost the youthful perspective and hope to change his surroundings. Realizing that he only has himself, he acknowledges that while it’s enough, life was more precious with the fantasy element most of us lose or diminish as we grow older.

This EP from 2011 is a short tale full of meaning. "Imm El Jacket" expresses the different gender roles in Arabic culture and how women can also face societal pressure and abuse. I need more time with the track "Wajih." Additionally, I require a proper translation and explanation from an Arab. The final song, titled after the album, evokes feelings of romance with an extraordinary melody and Sinno’s voice. His voice has a sandy, rough texture that ends the album on a different note from the start, where he sounds clear, almost magical and ancient. In contrast to the beginning of the EP, the last song sounds gravelly, with a sandy timbre in his voice, much like the melody of the second track "Habibi," now conveyed in his performance.

This album definitely has an incredible and powerful meaning and performances. While the first album lacks the focus of this project, it feels too short. I find myself wanting more. The band has the talent: the voice, the melodies, the poetry. Why stop with only six tracks? If only I could speak with someone more familiar with the band who cares to share more about their projects.

Iliya Badev