Exclusive video premiere of ‘Baghdad Blues’ by Howlin’ Circus, taken from the upcoming album, ‘Creature,’ out October 27th.

In the heart of these tumultuous and divisive times, emerges a musical force that pulsates with the unyielding spirit of rock’n’roll. Meet Howlin’ Circus, a transcendent Middle Eastern-inspired psychedelic rock project masterfully orchestrated by the visionary Canadian-Iraqi musician, Jafar Sandouk. With his gritty, powerful, and defiant lyrics, Sandouk fearlessly blurs the boundaries of genres, weaving a mesmerizing tapestry that unveils the devastating personal impact of Islamophobia and white supremacy in the post-9/11 era. Yet, his music goes beyond mere social commentary; it delves deep into the heart of humanity, exploring the world’s sharp decline in empathy.

“When all you see is the blood on the streets and rubble, then you miss the human stories, the relationships, the reality. I’ve grown up around Iraqi people who have experienced it all and I’ve inherited some of that: the great food, the trauma, the dark humour. But the rest of the world sees one thing. I wanted to capture the anger of never being seen, and so I kind of threw it all into one song. A bit of punk energy with a dirty pitch-shifted blues rock riff, and then all kinds of madness thrown in in between. It was a lot of fun making it”. – Jafar Sandouk

On the horizon looms the much-anticipated album, ‘Creature,’ set to be unleashed on October 27. An enchanting ode to the multifaceted roles we must assume to navigate in a world designed for the privileged few. With poignant lyricism, Sandouk’s opus reflects on the narratives imposed on us by others, often aimed at dehumanizing our very existence. Yet, in this resonant musical journey, Sandouk encourages us to seize control of our own stories, celebrating the essence of what makes us human.

‘Creature’ stands as an unapologetic celebration of individuality, refusing to be confined by society’s preconceived notions. Drawing inspiration from Sandouk’s own rich cultural heritage and life experiences, the album is a testament to the power of music to bridge divides and challenge the status quo.

In a world craving authenticity and empathy, Howlin’ Circus beckons us to embrace the boundless diversity of human experience, transcending barriers of language, culture, and belief. Jafar Sandouk’s musical endeavor pulsates with a rock’n’roll heartbeat, igniting a spark of hope and unity amid the chaotic noise of our modern era.

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