- Arabic folk melodies, jungly breakbeats and dubby techno deployed with expert precision from a producer on the rise.
- Egyptian-Australian producer Moktar had a great year. He embarked on his first EU tour, which included a gig at Amsterdam Dance Event. His very first show in his new home of London was a back-to-back with the legendary Mr. Scruff. Now, he's back on Mall Grab's label with a thrilling follow-up to last year's self-titled EP. These wins are entirely deserved, even expected, because Moktar's style of bouncy club music is exuberant and, frankly, insanely catchy. Immigrant, released last month, is a striking medley of breakbeats, Middle Eastern instrumentation and skittering techno.
Like Moktar's 2021 EP, Immigrant moves with the agility of a panther, and intrigue worthy of a James Bond film. Its five tracks are rhythmic chuggers, springy and explosive but also steady with a ruminative glaze. The percussive swings and looped samples of a mizmar—an oboe-like instrument common in Egypt—on "Al-Duqqi" are deadly, but the track has a shade of mystery, as its junglist breakbeats and Arabic folk melodies nod to trip-hop. The title track is equally compelling. Starting on a tough mood with a rolling, techno bassline, zesty bursts of sped-up folk melodies and punchy dialogue, it takes a surprising midway detour into IDM before ending on a emotive, soul-searching note. "North Africa" is a minimal masterpiece that pits retro synth patterns against tight drum work with a beautiful breakdown of bleepy synth lines.
Moktar's expertise lies in precision. He knows just when to step on the gas pedal, let textures simmer and slow down tempos for maximum impact without compromising his philosophical tone. Made for festival stages and big rooms, his twisting, slippery grooves made waves in 2022 but they're destined for an even stronger year ahead.
Tracklist01. Al-Duqqi
02. Immigrant
03. Send It
04. North Africa
05. Crossroads