Michel Sajrawy

Beware: this Palestinian guitarist has heard prog rock -- and he liked it. At least, that's what we can ascertain listening to Yathrib, which, after an alarming opening, veers between interesting rock/Middle Eastern hybrids and turbo-charged runs through the frets. Just about what you'd expect from a young player finding his way to music through the lens of Yngwie Malmsteen. Still, there are enough thoughtful moments here to keep us truly engaged. Promising; expect more interesting stuff to come.