Ala Ghawas is a prolific and acclaimed songwriter in his home country of Bahrain. Rather than perhaps more traditional Bahraini music, Ghawas has garnered attention for his finely crafted indie folk. With his latest series of singles, the Ghawas has been exploring the use of dissonance and well-placed minor progressions in a style of music that tends to play it a little safer. “Ember,” reminiscent of Our Endless Numbered Days-period Iron & Wine. Ghawas’ use of minimalist elements to orchestrate an emotional musical figure is similarly sophisticated and his turns of phrase poetic and vivid. At first listen you might think it’s like some other chamber folk songs you’ve heard and it is in many ways but repeated listens reveal layers of composition that reward your attention with the details and emotional coloring. Listen below to “Ember” and more.
Queen City Sounds and Art 
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