The sound of the Istanbul underground is juddering ever nearer to your listening posts in the shape of electro-alt-rock agitators Lalalar. With a name that approximates (semi-ironically) ‘The Wise Guys’, this trio has the in-built swagger, edge and beat power to tear up any template of new wave Anatolian psyche that you might cosy up to. Sure there are nods to BaBa Zula’s spiralling work-outs and Gaye Su Akyol’s avant-art vision but Lalalar draw in their own refinements of heavy funk, techno pulses and industrial crunch.
Unsurprisingly for a group that thrives on impact, the Lalalar live phenomenon has already gained notoriety having shaken up festivals from Le Guess Who to Trans Musicales and now comes news of their debut album to bring that energy closer to your home. Released on the ever dependable Bongo Joe, ‘Bi Cinnete Bakar’ will be out on all formats on 6th May.
Until then it’s up to preview track ‘Alba Deme Lazim Olur’ to fill the gap with its chunky electro funk motor, sampled Eastern string dramatics and sinewy synth/guitar dynamism. Add in upfront, ominous vocals and a hook with agit-pop potential and you get a perfect three minutes, ready to rage against any machine.
Pre-order Bi Cinnete Bakar by Lalalar from your local record store or: https://lalalar.bandcamp.com/
