Muslimgauze

Issued on Ukraine-via-Berlin label Kvitnu, for whom the release has an extra political resonance - outlined below - Salaam Alekum, Bastard is a prime example of Bryn Jones aka Muslimgauze’s strongheld political worldview, near-wordlessly wrapped up in billowing nocturnal desert-scape pads and some of his most hypnotic, serpentine percussion. Check for intoxicating highlights in the swingeing syncopation of the title tune, the ravishing ambient dubbing of Hebron Massacre (Short Mix) and Mandarin Guerilla for the artist at his subtlest and psychedelic.

“It was not so long time ago in history of modern music, when influence of musicians on society was tectonic. When an artist’s statement or position could impact the political situation in a country or sometimes even worldwide. When secret services like KGB, Mossad or CIA would consider some musicians as seriously dangerous for their agenda, because of artist’s influence on audience’s minds. When in some countries listening to forbidden bands could lead a person to appear in a concentration camp or even killed. When artist’s names would be an inspiration and a symbol of fight for freedom. 

It was also a time when artists would not censor themselves and their position in fear of being obstructed and hunted by mob for political incorrectness. When artistic freedom to honestly express their subjective views, no matter how harsh or extremely reactive the form of expression could be, was more valuable than any possible concerns or fear to hurt anyone’s feelings. When hurting feelings would mean that provocation reached it’s goal. When idea of speaking out their subjective truth had the highest value for artists, as one of true meanings of art."