Multicultural rhythms unite in Dar Disku’s self-titled debut album

Dar Disku’s highly anticipated self-titled debut album is a vibrant celebration of Arabic heritage and multiculturalism, effortlessly blending West Asian, Middle Eastern and North African influences with contemporary dancefloor sensibilities.

The duo, comprising Bahrain-born, British-based Mazen Almaskati and Vish Mhatre, have crafted a record that pays homage to the rich musical traditions of the SWANA and MENA regions. Recorded across diverse locations including the UK, Algeria, Turkey and Tunisia, the album’s journey through disco, Raï, piano house, Turkish psychedelia and ambient soundscapes is as expansive as it is cohesive.

Each track embodies the spirit of sonic exploration, featuring guest artists from Algeria, Turkey and Bahrain, and even a rare collaboration with the legendary Indian singer Asha Puthli. The duo’s meticulous approach to live recordings shines through, utilising analog gear and vintage consoles to capture the warmth and authenticity of the genres they traverse. Commenting on the album, the duo said: “This is something we’ve wanted to do since the start of Dar Disku and has been a dream of ours since we were kids. Each song on the record was written and played by us alongside some incredibly talented collaborators from across the Gulf, North Africa and beyond. Each song pays homage to various moments in time across the soundscapes of the region. Ranging from Rai to Khaleeji new wave, Bollywood cosmic disco, Turkish psychedelia and even some Sudanese inspired Afrobeat.”

Known for their eclectic DJ sets and innovative edits of Middle Eastern music, Mazen and Vish have consistently pushed the envelope since forming Dar Disku in 2019. Their love for the obscure, the overlooked, and the forgotten has led to a series of critically acclaimed releases on their own label, which shares its name with a 1970s Egyptian pop culture magazine translating to ‘home of the disco’.

With their debut album, Dar Disku offer a record that’s as suited for solitary listening as it is for club nights. The album’s scope is both geographically and musically far-reaching. Every track tells a story, blending the traditional with the new to create a sonic snapshot that’s simultaneously comfortingly nostalgic and exhilaratingly forward-thinking.

The 8-track album is available in digital and vinyl formats, while its limited edition cassette version has already sold out.