On II, Arash Ghasemi and Simo Hakalisto—collectively known as Gnäw—dismantle and reassemble the boundaries of traditional Iranian music, infusing it with electronic textures, sprawling drones, and the heady energy of psychedelic rock.
The exciting collaboration, backed by Centripetal Force (North America), Stoned to Death (Czech Republic), Radio Khiyaban (Netherlands), and Ramble Records (Australia), is set for release on March 7th as a limited pressing of 300 vinyl copies (digital purchases will also be available on Bandcamp).
Drawing from their distinct musical upbringings—Iranian and Finnish—Gnäw crafts a sound that feels simultaneously ancient and futuristic. The spectral tones of the Persian setar and santoor entwine with the Finnish kantele, yet these instruments are not confined by tradition.
Instead, they’re stretched, manipulated, and set loose in a constantly shifting landscape. Hakalisto’s modular synths conjure deep, pulsing textures, while Ghasemi’s guitar work, inspired by dub, film noir, and psychedlia, slices through with a hazy, cinematic intensity.
Rather than adhering to rigid structures, II unfolds fluidly like a living organism—its raw, organic instrumentation interwoven with electronic manipulations. Looped basslines establish a hypnotic pulse, creating a foundation for melodic fragments to emerge and dissolve, while modular synths generate an evolving sonic environment that feels as unpredictable as it is immersive.
This same fluidity defines Gnäw’s live performances, where improvisation allows each piece to morph in real time. II is not an album that fits neatly into any genre; instead, it thrives in the spaces between, rewarding deep listening with a rich soundscape of meditative calm and eruptive intensity. For those drawn to the edges of tradition and experimentation, II is a journey worth taking.
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