Friday, March 29, 2013

CD Review: Syriana's 'The Road To Damascus'

Syriana
The Road To Damascus
Real World

Syriana is a group headed by Nick "Dubulah" Page with songs written by Abdullah Chhadeh, Bernard O'Neill, and Nick "Dubulah" Page. The album is not to be confused with the 2005 film Syriana. Instead, The Road To Damascus paints a colorful picture of lush Middle Eastern melodies, rhythms, and instrumentation. For example, the oud, qanun, double bass, guitars, piano, keyboards, percussion, and a few vocals round out the musical repertoire. The violins are added by the Pan Arab Strings of Damascus. The album is mostly instrumental, which allows the tracks to shine beyond borders. The thirteen tracks do contain some cinematic tendencies, but the majority of songs are steeped in roots, folk, and classical music. Fans of Middle Eastern music will love the sultry nuances of Syriana's music. ~ Matthew Forss

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