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Mentrix Shares New Single & Video “99 Names of God” – Out Now via House of Strength

April 23, 2021

MENTRIX

Shares new single & video “99 Names of God” out now via House of Strength

After releasing her debut album ‘My Enemy, My Love‘ last year, Iranian Berlin-based Mentrix returns with 99 Names of God“, taking a well known muslim chant typically sung by men into a poetic and feminine place. Normally associated with Ramadan, this specially timed release looks to explore cultural norms and patriarchal traditions head on. 

Speaking about idea behind the new track, Mentrix said “’99 Names Of God are the many words which describe God in the Quran. These words are principals and qualities that manifest the divine. In Sufism, the teachings invite one to contemplate on these names : which one of these words are you? This chant, composed of three vocal octaves in the style of Tavashi, has been sung by many around the world. My version is here to honour the very essence of Islam, an invitation for every individual, beyond gender and any social construct, to cognise the divine within.”

Made between Berlin and Hong Kong in collaboration with Tobias Gremmler (most notably known for his latest collaborations with Bjork on “Tabula Rasa” & “Losss”), the video looks to explore the subject of gender and beauty.

This composition will pull you in. Built on this sheer abundance of percussive lead beats. Rhythmic sways, sweeping drum kits, the shaking sensation that thrives throughout resonates the audience to their core. This is a real explosive exploration that emits this mythical essence. You can feel the expressive nature of this release from this compelling artist. This clear fearless emotion emerges from the vocal harmonies, dominating the landscape and weaving flawlessly throughout these dense passages. The textures throughout the ensemble bring this bright and crisp tone to the arrangement. The video is equally captivating as the single release, utterly powerful.

Sufi-inspired singer and composer Mentrix -real name Samar Rad – fuses eastern and western sounds with lyrical songwriting, crisp drum machines and propulsive traditional Sufi instruments, into a bold and luminous goth-pop sounds. 

On “99 Names of God”, Mentrix is joined by DJ, producer and activist Nesa Azadikhah, founder of Deep House Tehran whose Tombak rhythms perfectly complements Mentrix’s signature Daf moves. 

http://www.mentrixmusic.com/

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