Sheykh Forever’s new release “Fire in the Master’s House” gave me the best hour of my day. This 14 track album pulled me in, and I really loved what Mostafa Al is doing here. There is a lot to take in, but it never comes across as one idea stretched across a record. The songs move through different sounds and moods which give the album a little bit of everything while keeping its character.
Sheykh Forever works across alternative rock, funk, soul and electronic pop, with unexpected turns along the way. The production has a playful and adventurous side which is great and rare to find today. Some sounds caught me off guard in the best way. A few vocal hooks are memorable. I can imagine them getting stuck in my head long after the album ends.
There is more behind these songs than the grooves. Across the record, Mostafa touches on war, displacement, propaganda and the damage passed from one generation to another. “I’m Your History” brings that subject into focus, while “Broken” and “Where Is My Baby?” add weight to the listening experience. The music can be lively, but the themes are serious, and that contrast gives the album something to sit with.
Mostafa wrote, produced, mixed and mastered the record at home. Taking on all those roles across 14 tracks is impressive, and not something you find every day. This was an enjoyable hour and a reminder that Sheykh Forever is an artist worth keeping an eye on. Make sure to follow him!
