DJ Haram Grace EP

DJ Haram is a producer & DJ who distinctively ties her New Jersey musical history with more recent involvement in the Philadelphia DIY noise scene, whilst paying homage to her Middle Eastern roots. A close affiliate of New York's Discwoman collective, she is also one half of 700 Bliss with rapper & poet Moor Mother, who features on this EP. Haram's non-traditional understanding of Islam, paired with a nuanced perspective on folk tradition and mythology, underpins the EP, bringing fantasy and colour to this in-between place. On opener `No Idol', a darbuka rhythm pairs with offbeat claps around a dark synth and a contrasting airy flute melody, illustrating the theme of duality running through the music. The melodies of `No Idol' are revisited in the final track remix, sped up with a classic Baltimore club beat and energetic bedsprings samples. `Interlude' is a combination of the sounds and patterns from each song. `Gemini Rising's synth is reminiscent of John Carpenter, paired with a darbuka rhythm and war drums that transmit a religious sci -fi horror aesthetic. `Body Count' is propelled by Jersey Club kicks with a distorted drum crunch and ticking rim shot in triplets, and an ethereal melody. `Grace (K.O.D.)' has menacing cinematic stabs that feel like acid raining on the scattered percussion. On the 700 Bliss track `Candle Light', Moor Mother's distorted and doubled up vocal chorus evokes a frantic yet solemn energy as she speaks on themes of life and death. `Grace' is an EP constructed through deep feeling, transmitting vital dancefloor energy. It's music is versatile, imbued with a strong will, personality, and colour.