Bedouine
Bedouine


4.2
excellent

Review

by Atari STAFF
February 7th, 2018 | 30 replies


Release Date: 2017 | Tracklist

Review Summary: Have I swam too far this time?

It’s not every day you hear an album with so many delicate orchestral touches. It’s what sets Syrian-born Azniv Korkejian apart from crowds of indie singer-songwriters. These aren’t just cute folk tunes with the strumming of a guitar; they’re fully realized, carefully conducted streams of consciousness. On “Solitary Daughter”, many of the lines are half-sung, half-spoken -- Leave me alone to the books and the radio snow, she confesses -- but not without flowery orchestration weaving around her every utterance. The colorful melodies throughout recall a simpler time, reminiscent of those oldschool, hand-drawn Disney movies. This makes sense given Korkejian’s work as a music editor for film, and with the added touch of some additional musicians, it’s perhaps the smoothest sounding album of 2017 I missed up until this point.

Yet, despite some bright strings and flutes that would feel right at home in the intro of a retro Disney classic, the scenery of Bedouine isn’t always roses and clear skies. Korkeijian has taken in the scenery through several corners of the world, not all of it pleasant. “Summer Cold” is deceptively tame; a furious protest song only held back by her gorgeous voice and sense of composure. Though it's not entirely abrasive, it has darker shades and tones than the rest of Bedouine, both lyrically and musically. Even so, quoting user Lucid here – “it’s just warm and cozy, and goes down like chamomile tea.” I’m personally left convinced she could write about pretty much anything -- death, war, you name it -- and it’s still going to sound beautiful.

Bedouine is an album that tells a story - each song a snippet of Korkejian’s experiences. “Dusty Eyes” is full of vibrant imagery from her life: the city, the city lights/the lampposts burn the night/but they don’t come close/to the way that I feel about you now. On the other hand, “Back to You” paints a colorful contrast between her culture and Los Angeles – with busy horns in the later half replicating her move to the big city. What’s perhaps so magnetic about Bedouine is you don’t feel like you’re on the outside looking in with this one, but rather, a vital part of the experience. From the beating heart of Saudi Arabia to the bustling night life of Los Angeles, this is likely as close as you’ll ever get to meeting Azniv Korkejian. What she’s crafted here is a breezy, personal portrait of her life through finely orchestrated folk tunes - and it's nothing short of a stunning debut.



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user ratings (24)
3.5
great


Comments:Add a Comment 
Atari
Staff Reviewer
February 7th 2018


28009 Comments

Album Rating: 4.2

I am in love with this album. A late entry to my 2017 top 5 (thanks to the rec from Lucid!). Her knack for songwriting/composition is just insane, makes for one hell of a debut. The flowery yet subtle orchestration is just the icing on the cake



looks like you can stream on bandcamp. hope at least a couple of you enjoy it, 4 ratings is not enough for a thing of beauty like this

https://bedouine.bandcamp.com/







Digging: Ceres - Magic Mountain (1996?2022)

luci
February 7th 2018


12844 Comments


Great review, I forgot how sharp your writing is. You communicate this record's appeal beautifully. Never fails to lift the spirit, hope a few people check it out.

Dewinged
Staff Reviewer
February 7th 2018


32179 Comments


You are back to Staff! Nice.

Sweet review man, will definitely check this one out.

Digging: Kelly Lee Owens - Dreamstate

Atari
Staff Reviewer
February 7th 2018


28009 Comments

Album Rating: 4.2

Thx Lucid! I couldn’t stand this not having a review



And cheers Dewi, hope u enjoy it :]

Slex
February 7th 2018


17255 Comments


Ooo dang this sounds like something I'll love, excites to give it a listen
Tremendous review my friend

Digging: Tyler, the Creator - Chromakopia

Atari
Staff Reviewer
February 8th 2018


28009 Comments

Album Rating: 4.2

Cheers Freddie, I’m counting on you ;)

nukethewhale
February 8th 2018


206 Comments

Album Rating: 3.5

Sounds straight out of 1970, in a good way

BlushfulHippocrene
Staff Reviewer
February 8th 2018


4053 Comments


This review is very impressive work, particularly the second paragraph and last few sentences. Will have to check this soon.

Atari
Staff Reviewer
February 8th 2018


28009 Comments

Album Rating: 4.2

you're too kind, Blush. Is it better than my review for No Use For A Name? ;)



Hope you enjoy it! We seem to find common ground more often than not with this kinda music. It was nice enough on the first listen, but the more I heard it the more impressive all the little touches and orchestration became. It's not overdone at all, but there's a lot of subtle and lovely nuances throughout



@nukethewell, yeah it definitely has a retro vibe. glad you like it!

robin
February 8th 2018


4596 Comments


this record is so damn good ^_^

rabidfish
February 9th 2018


8781 Comments

Album Rating: 4.0

so good



wish i heard it when it came out, it totally makes my top 5.

brainmelter
Contributing Reviewer
March 7th 2018


8416 Comments

Album Rating: 4.0

yeah this is so lovely

Digging: D. Tiffany - The Genero EP

Atari
Staff Reviewer
March 7th 2018


28009 Comments

Album Rating: 4.2

glad you guys dig it. definitely one of the best of 2017, just wish I didn't discover it this year

brainmelter
Contributing Reviewer
January 31st 2019


8416 Comments

Album Rating: 4.0

love this

rabidfish
January 31st 2019


8781 Comments

Album Rating: 4.0

this.needs.more.love



GOOD SHIT RIGHT HERE, Y'ALL

Atari
Staff Reviewer
February 1st 2019


28009 Comments

Album Rating: 4.2

YES. It warms my heart to see this album bumped. Hopefully she has more music on the way soon



oh damn, she did a cover of Elton John and Linda Perhacs last year I didn’t know about

rabidfish
April 3rd 2019


8781 Comments

Album Rating: 4.0

there are a couple of new singles out and they are so warm and beautiful i want to cry.

Atari
Staff Reviewer
April 3rd 2019


28009 Comments

Album Rating: 4.2

Ooh! Thx fir the heads up, didn’t even know about the upcoming LP

NorthernSkylark
April 8th 2019


12134 Comments

Album Rating: 3.5

stunning stuff

Atari
Staff Reviewer
April 8th 2019


28009 Comments

Album Rating: 4.2

You’ve been listening to lots of good shit lately, I see



I hope her upcoming album is good, the new singles seem to be missing something idk



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