Derya Yıldırım & Grup Şi̇mşek meld cultural heritage with sumptuous psychedelia on 'Yarın Yoksa'
Berlin-based psychonauts Derya Yıldırım & Grup Şi̇mşek continue to blend traditional Anatolian folk music with heady atmospherics that conjure the kaleidoscopic mysticism of an ancient heritage on their latest LP, Yarın Yoksa.
Exotically spiced world music has bubbled to the surface of mainstream media in recent years led by a handful of prominent artists, but unlike the voyeuristic cultural tourism of Khruangbin and L'Eclair, the meticulously stoic stylings of Hermanos Gutiérrez, or the beachside holiday hedonism of Los Bitchos, Derya Yıldırım & Grup Şi̇mşek represent a level of authenticity that separates them from their festival-grade peers. While still geographically removed from the regional source of frontwoman Derya Yıldırım’s wellspring of inspiration, the band broadcasts a deep reverence for the traditions of her ancestral roots in grand fashion, selectively updated with modern touches and global references that enhance rather than overwhelm.
Sumptuously composed by Leon Michaels, Yarın Yoksa incorporates shuffling rhythms, analog synths, and fuzzed-out guitar borne on waves of impeccably tangible reverb into an immersive interpretation of cerulean Mediterranean waters stretching and receding against the beaches and cliffsides of a landscape as ancient as human civilization itself. Basslines meander through a thick haze of incense illuminated with soft-focus rays of afternoon sun leaking through a slowly swaying canopy of fragrant lemon groves stirred by the salty warmth of a seaborne breeze. Moving with a leisurely pace that encourages deep observation as much as it enables simply getting lost in the atmosphere, Yarın Yoksa is packed with intricately crafted curios of sound, minute flourishes that speak to the artisanal genesis of the album like stray fingerprints preserved beneath the glaze of brightly colored earthen jars.
From the opening notes and wailing vocals of “Çiçek Açıyor” the thread of Anatolian folk is woven with care like individual fibers of a great tapestry lovingly fashioned over generations into a detailed depiction of a time-honored way of life. Psychedelic adornments decorate the tracklist from “Bilemedim Ki” to “Misket,” amplifying the otherworldly nature with transcendent moments of analog bliss. Celebratory moments of upbeat resort-ready vibes work their way into the mix on “Direne Direne” and “Hop Bico” lending an air of irresistible danceability with just a hint of sepia-tinted funk. All told, Yarın Yoksa is a buffet of richly presented flavors that harmonize brilliantly on the palette, an ideal soundscape for summertime spent basking in the welcoming radiance of a more natural existence.
Stream Yarın Yoksa on Spotify and follow Derya Yıldırım & Grup Şi̇mşek on Instagram.
Upcoming Shows
Mar 18 - The Deaf Institute - Manchester, UK
Mar 19 - The Jam Jar - Bristol, UK
Mar 20 - Scala - London, UK
Mar 21 - Norwich Arts Centre - Norwich, UK
Mar 25 - Theatre Zingaro - Aubervilliers, France
May 8 - De Roma - Borgerhout, Belgium
Jul 31 - Pickathon - Portland, OR
Aug 8 - Soda Bar - San Diego, CA
Aug 9 - Zebulon - Los Angeles, CA