Hypnotic
Dirk Hugo | Cape Town, South Africa | 12/19/2000
(4 out of 5 stars)
"The finest moments on this album occur when it ventures beyond conventional music and into the realm of psycho-acoustics. Sam Shalabi's collaborative project connects the dots between 70's psychedelia (Syd Barrett era Pink Floyd) and Middle Eastern traditional music, practising a slower yet benevolently insistent agenda of sonic enlightenment. It's an album that's only really enjoyable in specific, more personal and reflective environments where time is not an issue and alternatives to more conventional musical forms are desired. Under such circumstances, "Shalabi Effect" is a rewarding experience."