New Music: Iraqis in Pajamas – Spent

Published On: June 5th, 2021|

Seattle conscious punk outfit Iraqis in Pajamas comprises Loolwa Khazzoom (lyrics, melody, vocals, bass), Robbie Morsehead (drums), and Sean Sebastian (guitar). Their self-titled debut album is a tour de force, a highlight being the powerhouse 90 second blitz that is Spent.

The trio whip up a storm of noise and consciousness on Spent. Creating wave after wave of raw, visceral power, the vocals and arrangement can feel as overwhelming as they are exciting. However, the song’s steady emotional centre, courtesy of Loolwa Khazzoom’s vocals and lyrics, is personal and polemical, capturing a sense of frustration and anger that many will identify with.

That doesn’t distract from the sound of Iraqis in Pajamas, though. While alt.rock may be the fore, the influence of English, Judeo-Arabic, and Hebrew, along with a nod to ancient Iraqi Jewish prayers, means their music is complex, rich, and rewarding listening experience covering topics such as cancer, domestic violence, racism, mental illness, street harassment, family caregiving, and national exile.

Spent is out now and can also be streamed on Amazon Music and Apple Music. Discover the people behind the music over on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.