Some people claim that all music genres were almost invented in 2018. A thought that you can immediately shake off when you listen to Balfron Promise. This debut album from 47Soul combines all kinds of different styles into something the quartet call Shamstep. This name refers to Bilad Al-Sham, the old Arabic name for Syria and surroundings. Shamstep is in line with the Egyptian genre electro chaabi,
… an internationally renowned variant of hip-hop. 47Soul does not come from Syria or Egypt, but has its origins in the Palestinian diaspora. The company's home base is London. 47Soul really does seem to live across multiple cultures. Arabic scales and melodies are performed with analogue synthesizers - which are usually Japanese - against a backdrop of modern samples and beats. Here and there you can also hear a western guitar. Texts are available in both Arabic and English. The mixture is so unique that a self-invented genre is in order. Shamstep, folks! (JE)more
