Mystery Tiime, new project from Ayman Rostom aka The Maghreban, shares "terrifying" video for ‘A Cruel Trick’

Mystery Tiime, the introspective new musical project from British-Egyptian artist Ayman Rostom (better known as The Maghreban) has unveiled what he describes as a "terrifying" video for his track ‘A Cruel Trick’.

For the first time in his career, Ayman Rostom steps into the role of a vocalist, delivering lyrics that were initially written for others but ultimately proved too intimate to be performed by anyone else. His voice, often likened to the emotive, unconventional style of Robert Wyatt, brings an unfiltered honesty to themes of love, loss, and sorrow.

The album, which blends elements of post-punk, dub and experimental electronic textures, draws inspiration from a wide-ranging sonic palette, including The Cure, Bauhaus and Connie Plank-era Ultravox. ‘A Cruel Trick’ encapsulates that mix of melancholy and depth, now accompanied by an intriguing video directed by the artist himself.

Ayman Rostom was born to an Egyptian father and a Saudi mother and grew up in Guildford, England. This diverse background has influenced his musical style, which blends elements from various cultures. Originally emerging in the UK hip-hop scene as Dr. Zygote, he later gained recognition in electronic music under the alias The Maghreban, where he explored house, techno and breakbeat through a distinctive, off-kilter lens. His productions, marked by dusty textures and unconventional rhythms, have found a home on labels such as R&S Records, Versatile and his own Zoot Records. In 2018, he released his debut album ‘01DEAS’, a genre-blurring work that showcased his ability to fuse deep house with cinematic atmospheres, hip-hop influences and Middle Eastern sonics. Following that, he continued to refine his sound with the 2022 LP ‘Connection’, an album steeped in jazz, soul, and leftfield club aesthetics. Beyond production, Rostom has established himself as a sought-after DJ, performing at venues and festivals known for pushing underground sounds. With Mystery Tiime, he takes yet another creative turn, embracing post-punk and songwriting, marking a bold evolution in his ever-expanding musical journey.

Watch the official video for ‘A Cruel Trick’ below, listen to the track’s alternative dub and instrumental mixes here.