Fasla

In recent years Egypt has been churning out some of the most forward looking clubbing music out there, with the likes of 3Phaz and Abadir mashing up the big booming bass of mahraganat, rapid fire Arabic percussion, and glitchy synths for a big sound that captures all the energy of Cairo’s massive street parties. Hassan Abou Alam is part of this new crop of producers, but usually sticks closer to UK club music, moving between big basslines, funky rhythms, chilled out jungle and breakbeat techno. On Fasla‘s four tracks he goes moodier and darker: On “Kesibt” low slung basslines and squelchy synths are offset by glitchy, chopped up vocals by anonymous rapper SHBL-LBSH, who also contributes to the claustrophobic, post dub-step title track. Things get a little lighter on the playful “Mawkif” and the atmospheric “Hanshoof,” but the rapid fire, rattling percussion still pack a punch. Fasla manages to be both fierce and fun — a versatile, wonky dancefloor bender.