With roots firmly placed in both their U.S. and Kuwait heritage, alt-rock trio Kuwaisiana (ku-way-ee-an-uh) is staking their claim in the Seattle-Tacoma scene.
The band's use of both Arabic and English lyrics is unique unto itself, as is their blended musical stylings of punk, grunge, funk, and Khaliji Arab tradition, Kuwaisiana explores the complexity of cultural identity on their new 6-track EP, Mishriff, which hit streaming services today, October 18, 2024.
The EP's title pays homage to the hometown of frontman +Aziz, who left Kuwait in 2009. He founded the group in 2016, which was initially an ambitious 8-piece band in New Orleans. The group reformed in Seattle in 2022 and is composed of +Aziz, drummer Yousef Shami, and bassist Brian Riedel.
"CHUB" -- the band's August single and third track on the EP -- is a jangly punk-infused track performed entirely in Arabic. Inspired by the work of independent Kuwaiti filmmaker Ahmad M. Hamada, the song was featured in the end credits of his first feature film Akh, released this year. The film grapples with brotherhood, loyalty, and betrayal. The track's music video features clips from the film and a performance from the band.
Looking back on his time growing up in Kuwait, "1991" reflects on +Aziz's childhood experience living with his family during the Gulf War. Filled with synths and electronic ambience, the lyrics paint a picture of a bleak, war-torn environment. "Some enemies are neighbors / It's time for us to leave," he sings with conviction.
Released as a single in September, "Gentrification" is angry, fed up, and shamelessly loud. English and Arabic lyrics intermingle as +Aziz sings, practically screaming, about his frustration with xenophobia and cultural erasure caused by gentrification. Kuwaisiana does not shy away from their outrage, and are no longer willing to be silent about it.
The EP's closing track, "Flower With a Hangover," is a solemn tribute to victims of school shootings. The track is mellow and rhythmic with a seven-minute run time. In the final half of the song, +Aziz references many previous shootings, "Thoughts and prayers to California… Shots were fired in Connecticut… Did you hear about the one in Texas?... Incoming footage from Iowa…" The seemingly never ending list underscores the frequency of these demoralizing tragedies. They are not and never will be something that we should grow accustomed to, and the band aims to get that message across.
Aiming to defy genre boundaries and carve their own unique space in the musical landscape, Kuwaisiana proudly displays their cultural heritage while exploring crucial modern social issues on Mishriff.
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