SHEIVA – ‘HEECH’ overview: Fiercely political and fearless

SHEIVA’s music spans as many genres because the devices they play. You’ve received the classics (piano, guitar, bass) alongside the Persian – the tombak and daf (percussion), setar and santoor (stringed instrument), and the ney (an historic flute). On their debut EP ‘Heech’, the queer, 27-year-old British-Iranian isn’t looking for cohesiveness, however a dizzying eclecticism that can go away listeners reeling.

“Heech” is Farsi for “nothing”, reflecting SHEIVA’s refusal to submit as they navigate the world as a gender-nonconforming individual, looking for to create moshable music “the place misfits and freedom fighters can come rage”. A concise three-track effort, ‘Heech’ blends conventional Iranian sounds with metallic, jazz, entice, and grunge, courtesy of the artist’s spectacular multi-instrumental capabilities.

Penned by the artist after they had been simply 15, the one ‘Pink Skies’ offers with their psychological well being experiences, a sonic reflection of clawing upwards from deep underground. It’s led by a jittery drum beat and liquid guitar riffs, with background chants giving the monitor a dream-like really feel –however the rawness in SHEIVA’s gasping vocals brings an depth to the tune that retains listeners from floating away.

SHEIVA’s music balances between quiet and angst, conserving listeners on edge. Of their world, there isn’t a certain end result, no navigable path, however liberating disarray etched into their lyricism. ‘Into The Floor’ mixes jazzy cymbals and squealing guitars whereas SHEIVA’s forceful howl voices help for Iranians resisting oppression. Their frustration on the injustice is clear within the clashing components of the tune, and lyrics are heard in fragments, the place whispers erupt into shrieking cries.

The EP’s closing monitor ‘Piano Music’ is probably the most elusive. Echoing vocals are delicately balanced over the monitor’s melodic keys, earlier than branching into one thing extra sinister after two minutes. A booming bassline is launched, adopted by a entice beat, and spoken phrase mutterings. SHEIVA is an knowledgeable in shock: they’ll lead you on a rollercoaster of thought, feeling and reflection.

‘Heech’ brings us no nearer to figuring out who SHEIVA is. The three tracks are wildly completely different from each other, and every is marked by sudden twists. Phrases really feel futile when utilized to an artist who’s intentionally indescribable, because the title of the EP suggests. However “nothing” is on no account a synonym for “vacancy” – this EP is layered with depth and complexity. SHEIVA could also be one step forward of the listener, nevertheless it’s for us to catch up and see the place they’re going.

Particulars

• File label: Saffron Information
• Launch date: September 4, 2024