Istanbul Fusion!

 

Mix Turkish folk, psychedelia, surf music and nineties rock in what must be the more bizarre side of world music, add a voice powerful enough to knock out seismic instruments, and you have something reminiscent of Gaye Su Akyol. Eccentric and extravagant with an extreme stage presence, she mixes Turkish and Western sounds with a virtuoso and telepathically coordinated band. At the same time, she is clearly in opposition to oppressive regimes and politically and actively in support of LGBTQ+. It shines through clearly in her lyrics, which also play with mythical stories and superhero themes. Pitchfork: "Her voice is a mesmerizing thing, deep and plummy enough to shake trees and stir hearts."