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Beauty can frequently be obscured in translation, yet the depth of nabeel’s (نبيل) new EP, ‘ghayoom (غيوم)’, can be appreciated without any knowledge of Arabic.
The title of this collection translates to ‘clouds’ – symbolizing the fleeting and ever-changing essence of the record's creation. Initially rooted in chaos, the songs are now grounded in optimism and profound longing. Although this longing is tinged with bittersweet reminders of unfulfilled lives, the EP strives for gentleness, loosening the tension and offering solace through catharsis.
Just as clouds shift and change, frontman Yasir Razak faces his future. The EP is mindful of time, addressing themes of change, loss, and the aging of his parents. Despite ongoing worries, he emphasizes their fleeting nature.
nabeel (نبيل), as a trailblazer of Iraqi shoegaze, provides an alternative way to reconnect with aspects of oneself that often feel remote. For many first and second-generation immigrants, speaking their native language or browsing through family photo albums serves as a temporary cure for this sense of dislocation. Concepts of estrangement in duality and navigating the 'in-between' are woven into Yasir’s music and visuals, reflecting nostalgic and retro elements alongside a rich, textured sound.
When viewed as a whole, the cover art for each nabeel (نبيل) single resembles a showcase of ancestral treasures; family snapshots that hold as much significance as the music itself. In the early music videos, Yasir delves into these familial archives, coming to terms with the past through home film.
CLASH spoke with Yasir about the creative inspirations behind nabeel (نبيل), touring plans, and the new EP.
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Hi Yasir, I’ve heard you also teach! What subjects do you cover, and do you find that your work as a teacher informs your music?
Yasir: I teach high school ESL [English as a Second Language], and most of my students are newcomers to the U.S., having arrived about a year ago. There’s a strong connection to my own family’s history, as we immigrated to the U.S. in 1991. This experience grounds me and reminds me of my family’s past. There’s also a nostalgic aspect to teaching that continuously evokes reminders of my younger self. nabeel (نبيل) explores the mythology of self, intertwining past and present to construct one’s identity. It amazes me how the past can stay ever-present in my current experiences and shape how I view the world.
What’s the significance behind the name nabeel (نبيل) for the band?
Nabeel is my father’s name and technically my middle name, although middle names are not commonly used in the Middle East. In Iraq, names reflect lineage; you mention those who came before you in your full name (like your first name followed by your father’s, grandfather’s, and so forth). This represents continuity of identity, a way to reach back to your heritage. This continuity holds great significance for me and many in the diaspora who worry about losing their ties to their homeland.
The tracklist of the EP showcases titles and sounds that invoke a sense of hope, despite arising from a turbulent phase. Was the intent behind these songs to act as a remedy for the uncertainty you were facing?
Creating music is always a form of remedy for uncertainty, in my view. It transforms some of our darkest, most unsettling feelings into something beautiful or meaningful. This EP has a melancholic undertone, but there’s always a glimmer of hope that I naturally gravitate towards. I believe there’s a comfort in navigating tough emotions and scenarios. I truly feel that life can soften us if we allow it, which is what this EP delves into.
What’s your favorite track on the EP? Do you have a memory connected to it?
My favorite track changes often, but currently, it’s ‘wasal’. It stands out as quite different from the others on the EP. It has a power-pop feel that I really enjoy because of its simplicity and playfulness compared to the rest. It was one of those songs that flowed out in one sitting, as if gifted to me. I recall riding the high of that song after I demoed it, listening to it on my way to work every morning and feeling great.
The video for ‘lazim alshams’ is incredibly moving. Are there plans for more visual content for this EP and future projects?
I do have more archival footage I wish to explore, but right now, I’m enjoying the freedom to create visuals without pressure and seeing where that leads me. Since spring began, I’ve been focused on filming everyday life, taking photos, and sketching whimsical ideas. These are excellent ways to document and interpret life. Having explored archival footage already, I’m excited to incorporate current moments into future projects for this EP
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Beauty may sometimes be diminished in translation, yet the depth of nabeel’s (نبيل) new EP, ‘ghayoom (غيوم)’, can be appreciated even without grasping the Arabic language.