Sandy Chamoun – Sawt El Doumouh (2026)

Lebanese vocalist Sandy Chamoun is set to release her sophomore solo album in 2026, marking a distinctive evolution in her artistic journey. Building on her reputation as the frontwoman of Beirut-based SANAM, Chamoun ventures into a solo exploration that intricately combines traditional and contemporary influences.

This new album draws inspiration from the polyphonic folk traditions of Sardinia, specifically the cantu a tenòre, a style characterized by four-part vocal rounds. Chamoun intertwines this with Arab ecstatic music forms, notably tarab, a genre known for its deeply emotional and improvisational performances. The fusion of these distinct cultural elements presents a nuanced musical dialogue that redefines her vocal expression.

The production involves close collaboration with Anthony Sayhoun, known for his work on previous SANAM and Ghadr projects, who contributes modern synth layers to the album’s ethereal soundscape. Percussionist Ali Hout adds rhythmic depth, further bridging historical and contemporary musical textures. This collaboration underscores a shared vision to modernize and expand the sonic boundaries of regional folk traditions.

Chamoun’s voice, already familiar to audiences through SANAM’s genre-blurring albums, finds more expansive space in this solo effort. The arrangements allow her to delve into the historical roots of the music, while also embracing experimental techniques such as AutoTune to sculpt her vocal presence in innovative ways.

The album’s title, which translates to "the sound of tears," directly addresses the ongoing war and genocide in the Levant, embedding a poignant narrative within the music. Chamoun had initially aimed to explore themes celebrating humanity's triumph over nature through the cantu a tenòre influence. However, the escalating regional crisis prompted a thematic shift towards a more somber reflection on conflict and suffering.

Opening with the track "Khafiy خفي," Chamoun employs AutoTune to place her voice within a sparse, meditative environment supported by minimalist percussion and ambient sounds. This sets a contemplative tone that resonates throughout the album. Another standout, "Shahed شاهد," showcases a compelling transformation as a traditional tarab folk melody gradually dissolves into a layered chorus accompanied by syncopated rhythms and microtonal modular synth textures.

The album’s dynamic range extends to tracks like "Ward W Shok ورد و شوك," which offers a soothing, almost hypnotic quality, and "Ataba عتابا," featuring an extended operatic outro that seamlessly transitions into a half-sung voice note, highlighting Chamoun’s emotive storytelling ability.

Through this collection, Chamoun not only pays homage to the musical heritage of her region and beyond but also channels the complex emotional landscape wrought by contemporary geopolitical realities. The melding of Sardinian and Arab musical forms under modern electronic influences offers both a sonic and thematic richness that distinguishes the project.

While detailed information on the full tracklist and release formats remains limited, early reports from exystence.net confirm the album’s innovative approach and its release scheduled for 2026. This work promises to contribute a significant voice to the discourse surrounding Middle Eastern music and its evolving global intersections.