Review: Natacha Atlas gets meditative on The Inner and The Outer

Atlas began her music career with her breakout electronica debut album Diaspora​ in 1995. However, the 57-year-old multilingual singer later transitioned into weaving Western and Middle Eastern sounds. The musician's longtime collaborator, Bishai, has been in a sonic space that overlaps jazz and hip hop, as well as a range of African and Arabic music for more than two decades. He has recorded with renowned Arab and African musicians from various cultures, including kora player Seckou Keita. Bishai's recordings always inclined toward experimentation and escapism – whether composing ecstatic dance or cinematic music, his work functions as a sonic portal to other realms.

The Inner & The Outer is a step further into Bishai's realm of experimentation, where he fuses jazz, hip hop and electronica. The producer also introduces the maqam melodic modes used in Arabic songs and taarab music, which has its roots in the Swahili Coast of East Africa. British-Bahrainian jazz pianist and composer Alcyona Mick, who plays original piano takes, adds more colour to the project providing a harmonic base through the EP. She has worked with Atlas and Bishai for more than a decade, affords her a contextual understanding of Arabic music. As a composer, Mick has developed her own musical language on how to interpret Arabic music through jazz. 

The opening track on the EP is 'The Outer', which melds dark analogue bass synths, distorted beatboxing and Atlas' melodic flow over dissonant piano motifs by Mick, who also ends this piece with a 30-second mellow solo. Thematically, the song highlights the external chaos of fear, mistrust, separation and division, as experienced by the world throughout the global pandemic. The radio version of the song concludes the EP and in both versions, British-born Asian Jason Singh appears as a beat-boxer who also provides additional synths.

The external chaos continues on the next track 'The Inner', but with a more interoceptive and contemplative ambience. This song starts with soft piano notes that contrast very well with the warmth of the flugelhorn played by Yazz Ahmed, giving the listener a chance to really internalise Atlas' lyrical and vocal ability to tell emotional stories. Ahmed also features on the 'Inner Dimension' in a similar capacity. The track was born out of Atlas' desire to explore some of the themes of 'The Inner' in a much freer format – with less rhythmic beats, resulting in an airy and serene record, perfect for the listener to unwind and set their minds free. 

This EP also pays tribute to American singer-songwriter D'Angelo's Voodo album with the track, 'Inner Stardust', which captures the peaceful moonlight vibe. The release has influenced Bishai's music production throughout his career, and he considers it the bridge between contemporary American music and Africa. 

Finally, the 'Inner Sunset' starts with about 12 seconds of soft, exquisite piano and flugelhorn instrumentals ascending like the dawn before Atlas' vocals come in, letting the listener linger on every little detail, and creating a meditative, liminal atmosphere. Lyrically, it reflects the pre-pandemic period and highlights the fundamental freedoms that were taken for granted, such as taking time off to meet with friends and family. 

The Inner & The Outer beautifully utilises silence and space to emerge as a well-constructed and gorgeous compilation with an appeal as film music. It is a jewel of a piece that sparks the imagination, taking listeners on an emotional, charming journey and recharging their spirit. 

Order The Inner & The Outer here. 

Artist: Natacha Atlas 
Album: The Inner & The Outer 
Year: 2021 
Label: Wise Music Publishing