Unsigned Albums of the Year

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Franck Mandon

5. Tanjaret Daghet – 180°

There have been plenty of failed attempts to fuse Western heavy rock with Arabic melodies and lyrics; but this Syrian trio delivered a refreshingly authentic, hard-hitting LP that is both thought-provoking and ass-kicking.

4. Swerte – Raconteur

The Dubai-based Swiss-Indonesian MC delivered a smart hip-hop album chronicling the confusions of being a third-culture kid. Funny, cutting and heartfelt, Raconteur was immediately accessible, but by no means simplistic.

3. Lazzy Lung – Sailor's Delight

The long-delayed second LP from the Lebanese indie rockers was worth the wait. Sailor’s Delight is the perfect soundtrack to a lost weekend in Beirut’s bars and bedrooms – wild, scuzzy, and very loud.

2. Mashrou' Leila – Raasük

Mashrou’ Leila’s third LP builds on the melancholy blend of folk-y anthems, quirky instrumentation and social commentary that has established them as the region’s biggest independent band with some electro-pop flourishes.

1. The Wanton Bishops – Sleep With The Lights On

The Beirut duo’s debut album was a thrilling rush of raw, blues- and booze-soaked indie rock, reminiscent of The Black Keys, but with a ramshackle sensibility all its own.

The majority of these artists – and many more – are featured on our Third Anniversary Mixtape, available for free here.

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