There are endeavors of musical exploration that push the boundaries of convention, creating songs which transcend genres and norms. This chapter of the book is starring The Shadow Majlis, the brainchild of multi-instrumentalist Ali Jafri, whose latest single, “Mazdur”, offers a breath-taking glimpse into a marvelous cosmos, where rock and ethnic influences intertwine with elements of alt rock, new wave, post punk, dark wave and goth rock. This new single serves as a captivating preview of the band’s forthcoming debut album, titled “The Departure”, and sets an enigmatic and exhilarating tone. Ali Jafri and his team skillfully weave together layers of instrumentation to create a sonic landscape that feels familiar and otherworldly at the same time. The ethereal melodies and intricate rhythms draw upon a rich tapestry of sounds, evoking imagery of distant lands and mystical kingdoms. You will only understand what is going on here, if I let you know that you will find even elements of psychedelia, prog rock and … space rock! Incredible! The listeners will get lost in the labyrinthine depths of the song and in the phenomenal notes of a composition, which has another highlight – the gothic grandeur of the Ali Jafri’s vocals! In essence, “Mazdur” is a portal to another dimension, a bold declaration of Ali Jafri’s creative vision. As we eagerly anticipate the listen to the whole “The Departure” album, one thing is certain: The Shadow Majlis is ready to shock us with their alternative neo-global music experiments!
♦ 8,5/10
Dimitris Zacharopoulos
