Nadah El Shazly's production is perfectly in tune with the strengths of her voice. Take "Eid" for example, where the Egyptian musician loops and shifts a revolving sample of woodwinds to conjure a surreal ambiance. She is patient with words and sings in a soothing register as Sarah Pagé's graceful harp playing adds a brighter dimension of beauty to the tune. The harp shows up on various tracks of Laini Tani and has a key role in the excellent title track. The spacious "Laini Tani" begins in a spellbinding fashion with a duet of harp improvising around gorgeous vocal melodies. Eventually, the harp locks into a steady rhythm, and deep drums and bass drive to one of El Shazly's most entrancing choruses.
Choruses were rarely the focus in the sprawling Ahwar, El Shazly's bold experimental debut. Laini Tani does not have her rehashing old tricks, featuring co-production by 3Phaz and compositions that are based much more around pop structure. It is a more direct work, and the alluring "Banit" takes full advantage of that. Two drum tracks, one slower and lower and the other a puttering sample, combine in a mesmerizing beat. El Shazly puts almost whispered vocals behind her primary vocal track, which, combined with harp, bells, and keys, create a hypnotizing mystique. It's one of her most addictive tracks yet.
The ethereal combination of harp, piano, and singing in "Labkha" makes it clear that El Shazly does not need to focus on prominent drums to impress. However, "Dafaa Robaai" and "Ghorzetein" boast arresting drums that suggest that the Egyptian musician could make an entire album of head-nodding tracks. "Ghorzetein," an epic song with authoritative drums and sharp synths, has a striking intensity. When the electronic bass drums and acoustic percussion combine on "Ghorzetein," it's easy to think of what makes El Shazly's music so powerful. She mixes traditional elements with contemporary electronics and synths in captivating ways throughout Laini Tani. Even though it has been over half a decade since the release of Ahwar, the strength of El Shazly's unique artistry has not waned.
