What We're Digging Right Now: Jakuzi
We’ve got awhile before we reach Turkey in our ongoing Occur Goes Global series, but a particular darkwave duo has captivated us so much, we had to introduce you to their tunes now. In a nation that was nearly torn apart by a coup in 2016, the men of Jakuzi are sticking out their necks to sing of sorrow and of fluid identity.
Their debut album, Fantezi Müzik (out March 24 on City Slang), carries on the smoky, spooky synth traditions of Joy Division with a splash of millennial optimism. Lead single “Koca Bir Saçmalik” slays like the best of the Killers, with a digital bounce provided by multi-instrumentalist Taner Yücel. And though he doesn’t sing in English, front man Kutay Soyocak has a baritone that has immense cross-cultural appeal.
Despite living in a country known for Draconian censorship, Jakuzi boldly discuss taboo topics. The Gary Numan-like “Lubunya” is considered one of the first pro-transgender-rights songs sung in Turkish. And in a land where machismo is king, Yücel and Soyocak dare to wear their hearts on their sleeves.
More from Melissa Bobbitt (See All)
Music and Religion - Is It the Same Thing?
Melissa Bobbitt 0Image by Christopher Michel/Creative Commons The venerable Dalai Lama of the exiled Tibetan Monks is rumored to speak at Glastonbury 2015. While the media fawn over the prospects of the spiritualist appearing at the world-renown music...
Jan 12, 2015
10 Not To Miss at SXSW
Melissa Bobbitt 0It's that time of year again when thousands descend upon an unsuspecting Austin for good tunes, great BBQ and bats. It's South By Southwest, the biggest and most gleeful cluster of live music in all...
Mar 10, 2014Comments
Recent posts
Subscribe!
Receive updates on what's going on in live entertainment, events, and music.
