Arguably one of music’s greatest eras, the 50′s and 60′s changed the face of music forever. Without people ranging from Elvis Presley to Little Richard, Bob Dylan to The Beatles, we probably wouldn’t be listening to some of the bands and music we take for granted today. One man who grew up obsessed by the pop culture of this era was Hanni El Khatib.
The son of Palestinian and Filipino immigrants (and the first American in his family), Hanni El Khatib grew up in San Francisco and was influenced by these kinds of early Rock and R&B pioneers. He is one of those rather annoyingly talented individuals (yes, yes, I admit I’m jealous!) who is not only a multi-instrumentalist but also singer, songwriter & producer for his one-man band, although when he performs live he is assisted by drummer Nicky Fleming. He writes music that, in his words, “…is written for anyone who’s ever been shot or hit by a train. Knife fight music.”
He’s already supported Florence & The Machine on their 2010 Fall Tour and has been asked back for their Summer 2011 tour. You’ll also be able to catch him at various SXSW Showcases and pick up his debut album in June 2011 on Innovative Leisure Records.
When I first heard “Dead Wrong”, his first single, I knew I was in for a ride. Starting with a count, this track sounds as though it’s been lifted straight from the 50′s, dropped into modern day America and given a good kicking. El Khatib’s voice (ocassionally sounding reminiscent of an early Mick Jagger) gives it a retro kick, whilst still sounding totally fresh. Add a raw guitar and drum backing and a great doo wop chorus and what you have is garage rock at it’s bluesy, soulful best. This guy is going places this year.
We’ve also included “Loved One” and “You Rascal You” (the B-side to “Dead Wrong”).
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