Listen: Hejira - "Dancing Around Control" [Premiere]

23 April 2014, 18:50 | Written by Jon Putnam

(Tracks)

(Hejira)

The Arabic word hijra means “journey”, typically referencing a mystical, spiritual journey of the prophet Muhammed. Thus, it’s little surprise that London experimental rock quartet Hejira sport a multi-cultural lineage and inject their work with a heavy dose of leaden mystery.

Following up from the band’s Best Fit mixtape, featured last autumn on the heels of their debut album release Prayer Before Birth, we are pleased to premiere the release of the band’s latest single, “Dancing Around Control” (a double A-side also consisting of album track “Echoes”).

New tune “Dancing Around Control” rides a perversely groovy stomp, agitated by distant howls of feedback. Sam Beste and Rahel Debebe-Dessalenge’s vocal chants transfix and, ultimately, embrace us as they’re joined by billowed clouds of harmony in a decidedly warmer latter half.

The AA single drops on 28 April courtesy of Accidental Records (pre-order here), the same day as the band’s single launch at Servant Jazz Quarters, London. Ticket purchases include a free download of the single.