Whenever a band uses the word "punk" there's the danger of getting sucked into the (dead end) argument of what is (or is not) "punk".
To get this out of the way, 127 (residents of Tehran, Iran) are clearly using the term "punk" to refer to a free, rebellious spirit. If you're expecting buzz-saw guitars, popcorn-popper bass or d-beat drumming, well, no luck for you.
The rest of us are lucky indeed (and you will be too, if you keep your ears open).
The foundation for 127 is clearly jazz. Piano and horns form the backbone of this band's sound. And, yes, they lean more toward a loungey brand of jazz over more improvisational sub-genres. But they meld their take on jazz with quirky rock and tricky, sifting rhythms. To my American ears I hear elements of ska, "circus" and "gypsy" music. But this should just illustrate that what we think of as "circus"/"gypsy" music has its roots in *middle eastern* music. Like any good artist 127 take local elements and combine them with varied influences to come up with a fresh, unexpected result. Clearly these guys love western pop/rock music (the piano frequently evokes the Doors as does the guitar on "Mellat-E Sarfaraz"), but they also understand the mongrel spirit of pop music. Pop music exists in a constant state of flux waiting to be mutated and transformed.
127's transformations are a blast. When it comes right down to it this album is FUN. The music is upbeat and Sohrab Mohebbi's vocals have an infectious sing-song quality. Most of the tracks here are in not in English (just the last 3 bonus versions are translated to my mother tongue), but it doesn't matter. Every time I put on this collection I find myself smiling, bopping my head and humming or whistling along. Perhaps that's the best recommendation I can give Khal Punk.
You should check out this CD because it's an actual joy to listen to and it will make you feel good!
