Meral Polat - Meydan [W.E.R.F]

Format: LP in gatefold sleeve.

In 2022, Meral Polat released her debut album Ez Ki Me as a singer under the name Meral Polat Trio. Ez Ki Me roughly translates to "Who am I?". The album was a search by the singer for her Kurdish Alevi roots. In her lyrics, Meral incorporated many poems by her late father, Adi Ihsan Polat. The album received positive reviews and was nominated for a music award by Songlines magazine.

On her new album, MEYDAN, Meral primarily showcases her own voice: that of a woman who exercises her right to live on her own terms, free from the oppressive interference of patriarchy. The album celebrates female strength, inspired by the philosophy of JIN, JIYAN, AZADI (WOMAN, LIFE, FREEDOM), a phrase originating from Kurdish-led women's movements. JIN, JIYAN, AZADI symbolizes resistance to oppression and the fight for women's rights.

Musically, MEYDAN goes a step further than the debut album. Meral integrates drummer Jens Bouttery into the band, along with several inspiring guest musicians. The track Cenek features a powerful choir of 26 women of diverse ages and cultural backgrounds. On Çiya Icaro, Meral shares a duet with Bolivian artist Ibbelise Guarda Ferraguti.

On MEYDAN, Meral and her band continue their exploration of Anatolian and Mesopotamian music, particularly the Turkish psychedelic rock revolution of the 1970s and ancient Kurdish Dengbej traditions. The band traveled to Istanbul to record with Murat Ertel of Baba Zula and trumpeter Can Omer Uygan. In addition to Anatolian musical styles, they also incorporate influences from Malian blues and Nigerian afrobeat. Another notable guest is Senegalese musician Mola Sylla, who contributed his voice and improvisational talent to the track Govend.

While the drums, keyboards or guitar and Polat's voice still form the core of the album, each track contains its own collage of synthesizers, vocal harmonies, percussion, organ, piano, distorted guitars and guest musicians. All tracks were mixed by prominent Belgian engineer Pieterjan Coppejans, who brought depth to their sound. All of this results in a particularly rich, inspiring and message-filled album.