(Wagram/Creative Vibes)

Firstly to give a little insight into the name of this different – yet exquisite – sounding album, Khamsa. Basically it is an alternative Islamic name for the Hand of Fatima. Named after the daughter of Muhammed, this hand like symbol with the middle three fingers standing out is said to be an ancient talismanic way of protecting oneself from evil. I guess the artist purposely named the album in such a way as if to give the meaning through the music. Rather than explaining the title, the music explains the origins and not through direct lyrics, but through an intricate layering of sounds and different motifs.

The album flows like a well told dreamtime story, with each change in track a new chapter told and the album is something you listen to as a whole rather than as individual tracks. From my understanding the story being told also lies in the Comptoir Darna. It is a unique meeting place in Marrakech, Morocco. The meeting occurs every night and it is “an oriental cabaret style culmination of musicians, dancers and singers from all around Morocco”.

In terms of the music heard on the album and also at this Comptoir Darna, it is a rare well chosen blend of oriental themed jazz, blues and even classical. The music forms a unity between the very different sounds of Asian, Arabic, Modern, and Traditional genre’s through the use of a vast array of instruments, harmonies and voices. Creating an overall chilled atmosphere this album is extremely deep and filled with multiple layers of music. Be prepared to hear things you dislike whilst loving other things you hear. Although it does take the first couple of tracks to break in this distinct sound, in the long run it is well worth the listen.