Oum Shatt

After much anticipation, 2016’s eponymous debut cemented Oum Shatt’s distinctive sound: distilled rock ’n’ roll, discreetly interwoven Arabic harmonies and hypnotic rhythms from various, partially self-crafted, percussive elements. An analog, geometric dance construct; modern and transparent in arrangement, but evocative of a past that never existed. Besides Phrygian scales and references to 70s Turkish psych and surf, the processed choirs and odd samples add an electronic element as a counterpoint to the lyrical themes: sex, politics, crisis, and their intersections. The band consists of founding conspirators Jonas Poppe (Kissogram, Sitcom Warriors) and Chris Imler (Die Türen, Golden Showers), and current dupes Rémi Letournelle (Slow Steve, Fenster) and Richie Murphy (Michael Knight). Undeterred by ever-closer bankruptcy after a series of questionable investments, Oum Shatt are completing their sophomore album, to be released in 2020.

For 2019, Oum Shatt are receiving a grant in the amount of 5,000 euros, which will go towards the recording, release and promotion of an album.

Oum Shatt (Photo: Charley Vecten)