'Elite', the recently released fourth album by Elie Attieh, is rich with vocal lines and melodies; it's aimed at capturing a wider audience for the already successful Lebanese DJ and producer. Some of his older fans, however, may be disappointed by a record that sees the self proclaimed pioneer of Arabic dance music moving away from the heavy drum tracks that dominated his previous albums and into more varied and accessible territory. However, Elie - whose early success came from club remixes of Arab pop classics such as 'Inta Omri' by Oulm Kalthoum - says categorically that his latest work is 'not more pop'.

Austin Mackell

For full article check out Get Stuffed Issue no. 14.