Zarooni’s ‘The Joker’ is a heartfelt, groovy electro pop track full of character!
Its a track that charms the socks off you right from the get-go. Opening with melancholic tones, Zarooni plunges into a compelling description of someone who portrays a unshakable, happy-go-lucky persona for the whole world to see, but the true nature is someone different. The lyrics go a step further in identifying the childhood traumas endured and how that and more shaped his life choices. The vocal balance of being real vs being entertaining is a fascinating one to witness. Perhaps an acknowledgment to the ‘performance culture’ our generation is suffering through.
Musically, “The Joker” delivers a bass-thumping indie-pop sound, full of style and substance. Its evident that this is an artist who pays close attention to his sound’s production and composition. That shows up in just how clean and pleasingly well-balanced the track sounds.
The Dubai-based artist draws on the region’s international musical culture. You can hear a bit of arabic folk melodies, mainstream pop rock rhythms and upbeat edm sonic influences. It speaks volumes to this artist’s versatility, absorbing and transmuting what he’s experienced as a musician and how he can touch on a universally relatable view: the widest smile conceals hidden insecurities and emotions.
After all, the track could be referring to any one of us. Anyone who endures just to keep the peace. And maybe a few laughs. Zarooni’s musical expression makes him an artist to look out for in the Middle East’s growing indie pop space.
