Mashrou’ Leila

Review by Abbi North

The short: A Lebanese indie rock band that champions Arab gay rights through intimate electro-pop anthems.  

The long: This four-person group met at American University of Beirut in 2008, forming a band with a name that translates into “overnight project.” Their musical style has been compared to the Arctic Monkeys and Radiohead, featuring the dazzling vocals of Hamed Sinno. They have been blocked from performing in a handful of music festivals in the MENA region and are banned in entirety from Egypt and Jordan, as a result of their lyrical discussion of political and social issues, including LGBT+ and immigrant rights.

To listen or not to listen:  Listen! Non-Arabic speakers will appreciate the groovy beats and instrumentals, while Arabic speakers will find themselves enthralled in provocative and poetic lyrics. Start with “Fasateen,” an upbeat single on attitudes towards marriage and “Maghawir”, a powerful piece on a club shooting.