Les Arrivants Photo Credit: Marjan Yazdi
Les Arrivants is more than simply a band; it’s a cross-border voyage, migration, and personality exploration. This international trio, which was formed in the middle of Montreal during the historic COVID-19 epidemic, combines the rich and varied customs of Argentina, the Middle East, and Persia. The profound cultural traditions of their native countries are carried by each member of the group—Amichai Ben Shalev (bandoneon), Abdul-Wahab Kayyali (oud), and Hamin Honari (tombak, daf, and percussion)—blending them into a singular and evocative sound that defies genre classifications. Amichai Ben Shalev, who received his training in Buenos Aires after being born in Winnipeg, Canada, is a maestro of the bandoneon, an instrument that is intrinsic to Argentine tango.
He has performed on several continents during his voyage, introducing a variety of audiences to the passionate and sad tones of tango. Amichai is an artist not only in his technical mastery but also in his capacity to conjure up the legends of his ancestry via the booming tones of his instrument. The oud, the main instrument of classical Arabic music, helped Abdul-Wahab Kayyali, a native of Beirut, Lebanon, find his voice. Abdul-Wahab’s music, which reflects the enduring beauty and intricacy of Middle Eastern culture, was influenced by the renowned Munir Bashir and trained under masters such as Sakher Hattar. His concerts are more than just musical performances; they are explorations of the diverse histories and cultures of the Arab world.
The ensemble’s percussionist, Hamin Honari, contributes the pulse of Persian music. Hamin is a torchbearer for the complex rhythms and heartfelt beats of Persian classical music. He was born in Zahedan, Iran, and raised in a household rich in musical tradition. He’s made a name for himself in the international music arena by bringing audiences to appreciate the deep beauty of Persian sounds with his inventive interpretations of the tombak and daf. Les Arrivants, a moniker that captures their common experiences of displacement, resettlement, and the quest for identity, is the collective name of these three artists.
Les Arrivants’ album “Home,” which was released in 2022 and won the coveted Opus Prize for World Music Album of the Year from the Quebec Council of Music, delves into themes of comfort, nostalgia, and the quest for a place to call one’s own. By fusing the sounds of their native countries into a unified story that addresses the universal human experience of migration and identity, their music is a reflection of their individual travels. They made a strong name for themselves in the global music scene with “Home,” a song that was both daringly inventive and deeply anchored in tradition.
On August 16th, 2024, Les Arrivants unveiled their highly anticipated second album, “Towards the Light”. Their musical journey is not over with this album; rather, it’s a daring new chapter that defies expectations of their skill level. Building on the groundwork established by “Home,” “Towards the Light” finds the trio exploring themes of dislocation, optimism, and the unwavering search of light in a world full of darkness as they venture into previously unexplored aural territory. The opening note of “Towards the Light” transports the listener to a new realm where traditional instruments communicate in a language shaped by the experiences of migration and the never-ending search for one’s identity.
Each track is a journey unto itself, blending the intricate melodies of the oud, the emotive strains of the bandoneon, and the pulsating rhythms of the tombak and daf into a soundscape that is both timeless and contemporary. Les Arrivants challenges preconceived notions about worldwide music and genre with “Towards the Light,” carving out a niche for themselves. This album demonstrates the power of music to transcend barriers, bring people together from all walks of life, and create something that is greater than the sum of its parts. “Towards the Light” serves as a ray of hope, guiding us toward a more optimistic and welcoming future as the world struggles through these troubling times.
Towards The Light Album Track List:
City Of Ashes:
“City Of Ashes” from Les Arrivants’ album “Towards The Light” is a spellbinding folk masterpiece that reawakens the genre with a Latin-inspired twist, offering an unparalleled sonic experience. The track begins with the delicate, almost ethereal tones of the oud, gently accompanied by light percussion that seems to lift me into a serene, celestial space. This initial tranquility is then gracefully swept up into a more grandiose soundscape as the daf’s deep, resonant beats merge with the wistful pitch of the bandoneon. At this exact moment, the music shifts, and I’m engulfed in a beautiful fusion of rhythmic intensity and lyrical beauty that feels both contemporary and evocative of old folk traditions.
As the song unfolds, the midtempo folk vibrance takes over, transporting me to a time where folk music was the heartbeat of communities. The authenticity of the Arabic folk influence is undeniable, with the song’s tempo and progression meticulously crafted to maintain an infectious groove that feels both familiar and new. The melody, with its hypnotic charm, becomes impossible to resist, drawing me deeper into its captivating embrace. The seamless interaction between the bandoneon, daf, and tombak feels almost conversational, as though the instruments are engaged in a soulful dialogue, each contributing to a collective narrative that is as vibrant as it is nostalgic.
What truly elevates “City Of Ashes” is the subtle yet deliberate shifts in sound that occur throughout the piece. These variations keep the song fresh and intriguing, allowing me to discover new layers with each listen. The way the instruments interact on this track is simply amazing; it’s not just a song; it’s a work of living, breathing art. I find myself wanting to listen to the rich, evocative soundscape of the song over and over again as it leaves a lasting impression on me. This song, along with the album it’s from, is proof of Les Arrivants’ capacity to make music that is beyond location and time, providing an incredibly amazing audio experience.
Phoenix Landing:
A beautiful song that skillfully combines international influences with the fundamental elements of folk music, “Phoenix Landing” from Les Arrivants’ album “Towards The Light” creates a soundscape that is both calming and transcendent. I was instantly engrossed in the slow, captivating speed of the song from the very beginning, which created the ideal atmosphere for an incredibly immersive experience. It sounds almost like it’s slowly luring me into a hallowed area as the track’s calm percussion opens with a sweet, steady cadence. The music has an almost divine ethereal character when the celestial strings of the oud enter, resulting in a peaceful environment that I found to be both comforting and entrancing. The subtle warmth of the bandoneon further enriches this atmosphere, adding layers of depth and emotion to the sound, making it feel like a true masterpiece of world-infused folk music.
As the song unfolds, the interplay between the instruments becomes increasingly captivating. The oud, in particular, takes on a leading role, its divine tones guiding the melody with a grace that feels almost otherworldly. The music’s slow tempo remains consistent throughout, allowing me to fully absorb the intricate nuances of each instrument as they dance together in perfect harmony. This consistency also lends the track a hypnotic quality, as if I was being gently lulled into a peaceful reverie. The subtle inclusion of what feels like Chinese folk elements adds an unexpected yet delightful twist, transporting me to a place that feels steeped in ancient history and tradition. It’s as if the music is telling a story of a bygone era, one that I can feel deeply resonating within me.
The capacity to generate a warm, almost meditative atmosphere that is both engrossing and calming is what really sets “Phoenix Landing” apart. I couldn’t help but become engrossed in the calming feelings this tune produces because of its hypnotic quality, which held my attention throughout. The bandoneon’s subtle interplay with the percussion and the oud’s heavenly ambience combine to produce a very beautiful soundscape. You’re invited to feel this song as much as to listen to it; to be totally present and let the music carry you away like a soft, comforting wave. In “Phoenix Landing,” Les Arrivants have crafted a song that is as much about the journey as it is about the destination, offering a truly remarkable auditory experience that lingers long after the final note fades.
Towards The Light:
The title track “Towards The Light” from Les Arrivants’ album of the same name is a masterclass in musical expression and emotional depth. Featuring the exquisite talents of Didem Baser, this piece feels like a culmination of intense emotional energy, artfully released through a perfect blend of instruments and rhythms. From the very first notes, I could feel the emotional intensity of the track—like a wave that draws you in and refuses to let go. The opening is particularly striking, with its sharp, bright percussion sounds that quickly transition into the deep, resonant strikes of the daf. These sounds immediately captured my attention, setting the stage for the journey that was about to unfold. It was as if the music was speaking directly to me, inviting me to explore its intricate layers and the emotions they carried.
The interplay between the instruments become even more captivating as the song went on. A soundscape that was simultaneously large and intimate was produced by the bandoneon’s ethereal ambience and the silky percussion’s modest yet enticing rhythms. The tombak added a touch of charm and grace, weaving in and out of the melody with effortless precision. Together, these elements created a progressively evolving sound that was both soothing and exhilarating. Because of the relaxed tempo, which gave every note and rhythm room to breathe, the song had a really calming, relaxed feel to it that was quite comforting. I got caught in the music, feeling every variety of emotions the song conveyed, each more vibrant and endearing than the last.
I was in complete amazement of the adventure I had just taken by the time the track reached its finish. More than merely a piece of music, “Towards The Light” is an amazing investigation of melody and rhythm, a skillfully constructed interplay that inspires a deep sense of calm and reflection. I was left with a warm and inviting feeling long after the last note had faded because of the way the instruments blended together, each adding its own distinct voice to the overall. This song is a monument to Les Arrivants’ and Didem Baser’s skill as well as the ability of music to touch the soul. They have completely excelled themselves, creating a sound that is both incredibly beautiful and intensely emotional.
Bagelissimo (Mile End Tango):
“Bagelissimo (Mile End Tango)” from Les Arrivants’ album “Towards The Light” is a brilliant fusion of tradition and modernity, featuring the talents of Reza Abaee and Pierre-Alexandre Maranda. The moment the bandoneon began its melody, I was instantly transported into a world where the rich history of folk music collided with contemporary flair. The blend of the old and new in this track was nothing short of magical. The bandoneon’s opening notes created an atmosphere that was both nostalgic and invigorating, pulling me into a vibrant folklore paradise. As the song progressed, the inclusion of percussions and the tombak elevated the sound, intensifying the folklore vibes and making me feel as though I was part of an ancient dance.
The song’s progression was masterful, maintaining a midtempo rhythm that felt perfectly balanced. A soundscape that was both sublime and rooted in tradition was created by the daf and oud’s exquisite interplay, which provided layers of depth and blended in with the other instruments. I could not help but sway to the beat of the song because of the catchy groove that ran through it. Specifically, the bandoneon proved essential to the song’s success, its melody captivatingly slicing through the layers of percussion and strings. Every note felt deliberate, contributing to the overall vibe of the song, which was smooth, easy, and undeniably engaging.
As the track reached its conclusion, I was struck by how “Bagelissimo (Mile End Tango)” managed to maintain its steady progression and groove from start to finish. With their amazing interplay, the instruments produced a sound that was both enticing and revitalizing. This song seemed to be a celebration of musical diversity, with many genres and traditions fusing to produce a brand-new, thrilling sound. Les Arrivants, along with Reza Abaee and Pierre-Alexandre Maranda, have crafted a piece that honors the past while embracing the present—a true wonder that left me both moved and energized.
More than just an album, “Towards the Light” is a sensory voyage that forces the listener to face their own conceptions of self and place in the world. The body of work produced by Les Arrivants is both emotionally poignant and intellectually engaging. Anyone who like music that pushes limits and dares to delve into the undiscovered realms of the human psyche should listen to this album, in my opinion. Long after the final note has faded, this music continues to be with you and linger in your mind.
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