Mystic Tales is a 3-track project from Fouad Samiei, an accomplished Iranian musician, Tar player, and film composer. The project released under the Tunitemusic record label sees the multi-faceted artist fusing traditional Persian music with contemporary sounds that bridge the old with the new.
The project starts with "Home Is So Far Away," a three-minute piece that echoes the nostalgia and solemnity of finding oneself far from the comfort zone. Employing the ancient Oud instrument with warm strings, and layered pads, Samiei creates a cinematic soundscape that keeps listeners locked in as we follow the gradual progression of scenic sounds of a place far away. This is followed by "Night Tale," a brooding and atmospheric track that moves the project into an evening setting and creates another avenue for exploration as we venture into the darkness and uncertainty of the mystic night. Once again, Samiei utilizes the soul-stirring stringy melodies of the Oud underpinned by subtle sound design and dynamic arrangement with cinematic aural effects that add emotional punch to the track.
The final track "Mystic Flight" serves as the soundtrack to our journey out of this mystic land after experiencing the sights and sounds. Here, the Setar instrumental is the main ingredient alongside pulsating but hushed drums, solemn bell-like synths, and ominous textures that slowly rise to a crescendo as the track flows along.
Overall, I find Mystic Tales to be intriguing, cohesive, and superbly crafted. There are so many moving parts and layered arrangements that make one feel like we are in an epic fantasy flick like Sinbad and the Seven Seas but more importantly is the profound emotions that the project exudes. Everyone is bound to feel something different but as long as you feel something, Fouad Samiei has accomplished his mission.
