An exuberant return to the 70s Anatolian folk-rock sound that characterized Turkish psych-folk innovators Altin Gn's landmark first two albums, Ak is heralded by the pulse-pounding single, "Rakya Su Katamam." Ak finds Altin Gn veering away from the electronic, synth-drenched sound of their critically acclaimed 2021 albums, lem and Yol, to capture all the infectious power and urgency of the Amsterdam-based band's famously propulsive live performances. Recorded using vintage equipment and techniques, the album's ten groundbreaking tracks all represent visionary new readings of traditional Turkish folk tunes, revealing how these ancient songs remain eternally resonant and ripe for reinterpretation.

"These songs have been covered so many times, always," says vocalist/keyboardist Merve Dasdemir. "But not really in psychedelic pop versions," adds bassist Jasper Verhulst. "It's definitely connecting more with a live sound almost like a live album. We, as a band, just going into a rehearsal space together and creating music together instead of demoing at home."

Rooted in antiquity yet blazing with contemporary relevance and vitality, Ak also includes Altin Gn's dazzling reinvention of "Lelim Ley," a classic song of lost love and exile. Recently named as "Today's Top Tune" by the influential KCRW, "Lelim Ley" features music composed by renowned Turkish musician, author, poet, and politician Zlf Livaneli and lyrics written by the late Turkish novelist, short-story writer, poet, and journalist Sabahattin Ali. Taken from Ali's 1937 short story, Ses, "Lelim Ley" was joined by music composed by Livaneli in 1975 and has since been embraced as one of the most well-known and beloved songs among Turkish people everywhere.

Review

A1 Badi Sabah Olmadan
A2 Su Siziyor
A3 Leylim Ley
A4 Dere Geliyor
A5 it it edene
B1 Rakiya Su Katamam
B2 Canim Oy
B3 Kalk Gidelim
B4 Gzelliin On Para Etmez
B5 Doktor Civanim