released: june 6th, 2025

genre: electronic

from: cairo, egypt

label: one little independent records

a few thoughts: somehow missed this at the time of its release, but better late than never, right? nada el shazly is a supremely talented composer, and someone i’ve been a fan of for a few years now. her 2017 debut ahwar is an incredible, meditative body of work, that mixes avant-garde electronica with psychedelic rock influences, all informed by her egyptian / arab heritage. tracks like “palmyra” and “koala” off that album exemplify her powerful and immersive sound, with dense and textured compositions that are utterly hypnotic and immersive. since that album she’s composed an soundtrack to the 2022 film les damnés ne pleurent pas (the damned don’t cry), and a collaborative project with elvin brandi as pollution opera. her sophomore solo album laini tani is a sublime work of art, with lush and gorgeous electronic compositions, harp arrangements and beautiful arabic vocals. the lush and uplifting opener “elnadaha” sets the tone for the album beautifully, with ethereal synth melodies and heavy drumming that capture this incredible beauty, and flows effortlessly into “kaabi aali”, an incredibly beautiful piece, with dynamic percussion and a moody and reflective tone. “bandit” is one of my favourites on the album. it’s a dark, riveting composition, with an incredible synth melody and drum rhythms that are just so captivating. the string compositions on “eid” are just breathtaking, there is an otherworldly quality to this song, while the rumbling and overwhelming “enti fi neama” is another incredible moment. the dynamic and frantic energy of “dafaa robaii” is incredible too, as her vocals pierce through the incredible electronic rhytms throughout. the gentle and hypnotic “labkha” is another stunning moment, while the harp melodies and drumming on “laini tani” are so powerful and beautiful. the gentleness and soul felt on these tracks are just so captivating and immersive it’s impossible not to get lost in the beauty of these compositions. “ghorzetein” closes the album out with cacophonous rhythms steeped in intense percussion-led rhythms that give the album an overpowering and overwhelming conclusion. laini tani is simply a sublime and innovative body of work that cements nadah as one of the most exciting electronic artists working today.

the album: