Back in the heady days of 2018, Dozenz first crossed our radar. The project has been making music ever since, but it’s taken until now for them to get back onto our pages. That’s all thanks to their latest album, Be Someone.
By Graeme Smith
Led by Saleh Hamed (Sol Farah) and Ahmed Jamali, Dozenz are pioneers of the United Arab Emirates’ alternative scene. As part of Dozenz and previously Gray Test, the pair have been a key part of it for 22 years and broke ground as the first local act to perform alongside international headliners at Dubai’s Gig on the Green Festival, sharing the stage with Suede and Fun Lovin’ Criminals.
It’s easy to see why they’ve been so crucial to the UAE scene, giving us a fresh sound and accessible sound that combines the best of their Middle Eastern culture with Western sensibilities. Their new album, Be Someone, delivers anthem after rock anthem, right from its triumphant and emotional opening title track. Collectively, the album’s ten tracks reflect on the powerful theme of resilience and this opener is a perfect example of that.
Interwoven between the anthems are more intimate tracks. Lie To Love You, for instance, gives us a bluesy and soulful moment full of heartache. Chasing Tigers, which features guest vocalist J Fitz (one of many vocal collaborations), is a beautifully simmering number with plenty of passion. Falls Apart (Pick Yourself Up) starts delicate and ecclesiastical before arriving at a bright climax.
The album hits hardest during these brighter moments. With a catchy melody and approachable sound, Daylight proves a highlight, and shows Dozenz’s sonic range in the early part of the album. Rules Of The Heart is another highlight, bristling with electronic layers and a sense of optimism despite its melancholic lyrics.
Elsewhere Senseless burns with a moodiness that shows Dozenz’s darker edge. No Talking (Just Love Me) injects a lively electronic pop energy. Say My Name is broodily cinematic and percussively pleasing. Young Tomorrow is perhaps the album’s gentlest moment, replete with strings, warm vocals and a marching beat.
It’s so rare to see such mastery of different sounds from a single act, but Dozenz clearly have the expertise and experience to pull it off. With their new album, they’re creating alternative rock that’s right up there with the modern greats. There’s something for everyone on it.
Be Someone is out now and you can give it a listen below.
