Eloquently titled ‘Isgonnabeok (drill-jazz #2)’, the piece provides our point of entry into French outfit Shooqa 22. In fact, it marks their debut single, a breath of fresh air and a striking display of the eclecticism and genre-less aural universe they operate in. On the surface, one might dismiss them as a jazz-oriented project. Far from it: while their roots might very well be planted in the jazz tradition, the talented and bold creatives behind Shooqa 22 embrace a wider outlook within a variety of genres, blending DIY indie-pop ethos with striking hip-hop influences.
That’s where the ‘drill-jazz’ denomination comes from: the group’s saxophone is delivered in a frantic, urgent melodic and rhythmic framework, with the arrangement following suit. The contamination is clear here: the French heroes don’t restrain themselves at all, showcasing all of their artistic richness and heightened musicianship. Featuring six members, Shooqa 22 also benefits from singer Karla’s approachable, yet daring and kaleidoscopic vocals, helping listeners familiarise themselves with the project’s boundary-breaking character.
Overall, ‘Isgonnabeok (drill-jazz #2)’ will provide a challenging, yet electrifying listening experience for anyone keen to step into uncharted territories. Luckily, we are. There’s an upcoming EP on the horizon, and we are confident that Shooqa 22 will become an international phenomenon soon enough.
Recommended! Discover ‘Isgonnabeok (drill-jazz #2)’ on Spotify:
