Ala Ghawas’ Richly Dynamic “Mars” Evokes 80s Art Pop Stars and Modern Soul

AlaGhawas1_crop — Ala Ghawas, photo courtesy the artist

Rarely will we share a song by the same artist this close together but “Mars” is a very different flavor and sound from Bahrainian songwriter Ala Ghawas. It’s still rooted in a sort of fusion of folk, jazz and pop but “Mars” finds Ghawas processing his soulful voice and otherwise incorporating a broad range of vocal styles in a relatively short song. Musically it’s a bit like hearing something that bridges modern soul with 80s artsy pop like Talk Talk and Peter Gabriel. The fascinating changes, dynamics and dazzling array of instruments brought to bear in the songwriting but channeled into an accessible form speak to a talent that could make him a darling of American alternative radio, if he isn’t already, given half a chance.