An Album a Day #2026-06

Notes

On his website, Iranian percussionist Mohammad Reza Mortazavi describes Nexus as "a space beyond the visible—a point of convergence where the hidden becomes audible." Interestingly, the main thought I had listening to this record was that I wished I could see it being performed instead of simply listening to it.

The various sounds Mortazavi extracts from his drum are shocking. The swishing of his hands, scraping of his fingernails, dragging of his fingers, deep moans, sharp pops—at times percussive, at others almost vocal and guttural. The emotions they evoke are as varied as the sounds: from introspection to celebration, perplexity to clarity, fear to peace.

This is not easy listening. Not because it's abrasive or particularly hard to follow. Listening to this album I felt like Mortazavi had taken my soul and pinned it to a clothesline. As I sat there, naked in a sense, I was forced to watch it flap in the wind, exposed.

Should you choose to listen, and I recommend you do, consider yourself warned.

Listen

What is "An Album a Day"?

Each day in 2026, I'm listening to an album that:

1. I've never heard before
2. Was released in the last six months (from the time of listening).