Sheherazaad: Khudgarzi review | Ammar Kalia’s global album of the month

Sheherazaad’s debut album, *Khudgarzi*, blends Urdu-language singing rooted in South Asian classical traditions with sparse, atmospheric arrangements. Its shadowy sound and virtuosic vocals make it a distinctive, compelling release, though some whispered spoken-word passages feel overly theatrical.

Reverb gives tabla, guitar and melody an eerie, blurred quality, with the music drawing comparisons to PJ Harvey and Massive Attack’s collaborations with Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan. Sheherazaad is backed by instruments including veena, rabab, tanbur, cello, violin and harp; standout track “Zeher” layers electronic processing with glimpses of natural vocal expression. The article also highlights new releases by Rizan Said, Ballaké Sissoko and the trio Aram.