DOST 2 (vinyl)

Description

The pop group Outernational Derya Yıldırım & Grup Şimşek unveil the second and final part of their double album ‘Dost 1&2’. Once again, their subtle and groovy Anatolian psych-folk sound matches the powerful quality of the songs - often led by Yıldırım's sublime vocals and bağlama (Turkish lute). With ‘Dost 2’, the group has expanded its songwriting horizons and refined its idiosyncratic arrangement skills. - - Most of the tracks on ‘Dost 2’ were composed by the band, with two notable tracks composed by guitarist-flutist Antonin Voyant whose melodic work brings the music to a non-nostalgic, yet profound and meaningful place. The lyrics were written by Derya Yıldırım in collaboration with Berlin-based writer Duygu Ağal, adding another string to Grup Şimşek's bow. - - As a statement of constantly expanding creative boundaries, the album opens with a poignant original pop ballad. ‘Gümüş’ - which literally means ‘Silver’ - is used here to describe a particular state of the soul, between life and death. In the chorus, Yıldırım repeats ‘İçim çığlık’ (I am torn apart) which reveals the narrator's emotional struggle and pain. - - Next comes ‘Darıldım Darıldım’, a groovy mover led by a rumbling combination of wah-wah guitar and organ. Written by Mahzuni Şerif (also responsible for Derya Yıldırım & Grup Şimşek's first hit 'Nem Kaldı'), an Anatolian 'Aşık' (a wandering bard and poet) who wrote politically charged songs in the 70s and 80s, the song deals with human issues and social injustice - it is said that this song was written while Mahzuni was imprisoned for his political inclinations. The tour de force here is having translated the raging and serious mood of the lyrics into a positive, danceable and electric energy. - - 'Odam Kireç Tutmuyor', a traditional folk song, is arranged here for a minimalist and intimate trio - with Graham Mushnik's haunting organ and Voyant's bird-like flute - on which Yıldırım's stunning voice shines like a glowing lantern on a foggy night. - - The rest of ‘Dost 2’ reveals another series of Grup Şimşek originals: the astonishing ‘Yeni Yürekle’ (‘with a new heart’) and its flow of intertwined folk guitars; the irresistibly danceable ‘Bal’ (‘honey’) with its light disco rhythm, synth explosions and exhilarating bağlama solo; Derya Yıldırım's delicate instrumental composition ‘Mola’ (‘break’); and the heartbreaking ‘Meraklı Gönül’ (‘curious heart’) with its melodic bass line and expressive wah-wah chords. - - The album ends with ‘Ayşe Halam Arıyor’, a folk song known as ‘Bulgar Dağı’ (‘Bulgarian mountain’) which was sung on the phone by Derya's aunt Ayşe during a rehearsal, and spontaneously recorded by the band. Ayşe Yıldırım is also the author