Rainbow Arabia - Boys And Diamonds

In the past, Rainbow Arabia’s constant need to align themselves with ‘world music’ has been a bit off-putting. It felt like a cynical ploy to repackage exotic foreign sounds in an accessible electro form for hip kids in the west. It’s not like today’s audiences have rejected bands that more subtly borrow from overseas or non-western acts that have performed in Europe or the US. Parents know who Vampire Weekend are, Diplo has appropriated styles from all over the place and is one of biggest producers in the world, and Syrian sensation Omar Souleyman has played at ATP in, err, Butlins. So there is no need to try to establish authenticity or cool through association with non-traditional icons.

Thankfully, on their first album ‘Boys And Diamonds’, the LA duo now seem to be speaking their own language. Sure, there are still sonic references to Middle Eastern keyboards, Congotronics and Indian drums, but the emphasis is on influence rather than imitation. This is not always the case, as can be heard on the cod-reggae ‘Nothin’ Gonna Be Undone’ or when some of the tracks slip into sub-MIA electo-clash. However, overall the songs are more refined and self-assured than those on their previous releases.

In fact, the whole album has been polished with sheen of the decidedly western sound of ’80s new pop. It is under this gloss that the foreign flourishes give the music its colour and personality. Tracks like the lead single ‘Without You’ and also ‘Mechanical’ are blended perfectly to form vibrant, catchy pop songs with a slight multicultural flavour.

While Rainbow Arabia’s music might have started as a diamond in the rough they have evolved into an act that has smoothed the sounds of the world into an album that sparkles in just the right light.