Restless Leg Syndrome 'Represent The Fucking Planet' (Little Beat More)
25th November 2022
Restless Leg Syndrome
'Represent The Fucking Planet' / 'Spirit'
(Little Beat More)
Here's something different, a sharp left turn from the accepted conventions, a case of mixing oil and water successfully.
Although based in Vienna, this group comprises DJ and producer d.b.h, turntable maestros Chrisfader and Testa create a rich tapestry of Lebanese music somehow infused with hip hop and even hints of Jungle.
It's clear that their Arabic roots are first and foremost in their songwriting and arrangements, yet in both 'Represent The Fucking Planet' and 'Spirit', they have absorbed urban soundscapes, Hip Hop, and in the case of 'Spirit', a dash of the Amen break.
I'm certainly no expert in Arabic music, so I can only go on how it sounds, and in this case, it sounds fresh. Yet there is also an overriding sense of threat and tension, a fiercely confident attitude is oozing from the arrangement. It's like they have cornered and challenged you to listen, not letting you concentrate on anything else until the last bar draws to a close.
Much like Sampa The Great has flipped her Zambian roots, Restless Leg Syndrome have done the same with their Arabic background. And production-wise, they share some remarkable similarities, which is no bad thing.
Buy: Bandcamp