Swedish trumpeter-composer Goran Kajfeš and his Subtropic Arkestra finally return after nine long years, but only with a Bandcamp-only EP featuring Kurdish-Swedish vocalist Avin Omer. But there are more reasons to be cheerful, this self-titled EP is the first in a series of three EP’s featuring to be released in 2026.
The Subtropic Arkestra, in its three precious trilogy of The Reason Why albums, suggested radical, psychedelic, and deeply sensual interpretations of unknown world music gems, re-contextualized with modern jazz. Omar is well-versed in Kurdish folk music, Arabic classical and folk tradition, as well as Turkish and Persian vocal expressions, but she is not bound by these traditions.
The EP offers three songs. The first song, «Suleymanieh», is based on a poem by Kurdish poet Sheikh Riza Talabani (1835-1910), and an arrangement of a traditional melody expanded by Kajfeš. It sets the exotic, hypnotic-rhythmic spirit of this collaboration, highlighting the commanding vocal delivery of Omar. «Desmala Min» (My Handkerchief in Kurdish) uses a melody of a popular traditional Kurdish folk song that has been recorded by many Middle Eastern musicians. The Subtropic Arkestra enjoys a call-and-response with the evocative, uplifting vocals of Omar. The last song, «Monsoon», used a poem by Kurdish poet Şêrko Bêkes (1940-2013), and wraps it as a dub-tinged, sensual, and openly emotional ballad, arranged by Kajfeš and Omar. This EP ends too soon, but it provides a first, promising encounter with Avin Omar, who shines throughout the three songs, and, obviously, the renewed joy of listening to the Subtropic Orchestra, who, as always, offers tasty, sonic food for the soul.
Eyal Hareuveni
Avin Omer (vocals), Goran Kajfeš (trumpet, synthesizer, percussion), Per «Ruskträsk» Johansson (baritone saxophone, flute), Jonas Kullhammar (tenor saxophone, flute, taragot), Jesper Nordenström (piano, organ, Fender Rhodes, Celesta, synthesizer), Reine Fiske (electric guitar, acoustic guitar, mellotron), Johan Berthling (electric bass), Johan Holmegard (drums, percussion)
