One of the relatively recent additions to the Iranian music scene is the band Abjeez, which in Persian means “the sisters”. It is a 7 member band (6 musicians and one sound technician) with lyrics that are related to the two sisters’ life experience. The Abjeez released their debut album with an international composition of musicians from Sweden, Iran and Chile, in an orgy of styles. Mixed styles are presented in their first album, “Hameh”, in a pleasant way. The styles of texts are sometimes humorous and sometimes very direct as in “Edeaa” and sometimes imbedded in unrelated stories like in “Barab Barab”. All these are delivered through rhythms such as reggae, salsa, rock or boss nova. Although the songs are pleasant, it is rather difficult to put a finger on their style as they are not really presenting any unique sounds or techniques. Having said this though, Abjeez’ lyrics are what actually catch the Persian audience. With sharp lyrics various topics such as feminism, culture and behaviors, they succeed in mediating a message of self-review, self-awareness and self-criticism. Not all messages of the songs are directed to the Persian listeners and could in fact apply to other people and cultures as well. However, since the tracks are in Persian, they are inevitably related to the Iranian culture and society. For instance, the track “Edeaa” deals with the Iranian culture in a sarcastic way. With a simple but effective melody they reveal the truth and cliché (i.e. stereotypes) within the Iranian culture. It will be hard to find any Iranian who would not agree with most of what is said in the track. After having listened to the lyrics, it makes one wonder whether the Iranian culture has any nice sides to it or not. Is it really that bad? What about the hospitality for which Persians are known? What about all the talented people and the super rich literature? What about the Persian ancient values which have impacted many cultures and religions till this date? Even though one might not take it to heart to that extend, but one could just wonder. On the other hand, in the last track (monologue) in which they speak about love, they present the way forward in general terms.
Maybe their most distinct feature is that it is actually two girls who are bringing forward the colours (even though the band does not consists of the two sisters only) and that the two sisters are actually not living together (in different continents). Their feminine touch is easily heard in songs like “Bargard”, “Khastegaari” or “Geryeye Mard” through which social topics are presented in forms of indirect messages to the listeners. In “Geryeye Mard” sensitivity (or maybe rather an insensitivity) of a man is mentioned in which they convey a message of the importance of emotional honesty. Even Jesus cried. And that in public. So it is easy to realize that the cliché of men not crying is nothing but….very rightly so…just a cliché.
From a musical point of view, the album is a very mixed album. It truly is a world music album. Had it not been for the lyrics, the touch of the real value of the album would have been lost as there’s not much new (from a musical point of view) other than some parts in “Khastegari”. This comparison stands for a comparison with western standard. When compared to Iranian bands, there is no other Iranian band having the same style. But due to their composition a comparison with only Iranian bands would be wrong. It would be as wrong as comparing Khalid with only Algerian artists.
While the album “Hameh” is a rather an interesting album, the second album, “Who’s your daddy?”, being a House remix, is a total disappointment. Nothing new is presented in terms of creativity and the album is rather a low production type of album. After listening to the album “Hameh” one would have expected similar world music being presented or better arrangement. The album “Who’s your daddy?” in short is a disappointment! They could have done a much better job.
After having listened to the albums, one wonders how their next album would sound. Would they be able to present a unique sound and style or will the lyrics have to do the trick again? What will they sing about this time? Any unique style or will they remain as an experimental band that comes and goes? Will they use their multicultural side to present something new? What about the other band members? In simple words; where are they heading? Regardless their future or their plans, they were able to tune the Persian lyrics with catchy messages in a good way on their first album. That alone, is an achievement itself. It remains to see whether they are short lived as a band or whether they can keep surprising us. It remains to see whether they are short lived as band or whether they manage surprising us again. Bands change sound and character during their life span. Hopefully we hear a unique sound coming from them.
