Hmenou’s new EP “Tinji” is short but strong. It has only two songs, but they take you on a powerful ride. It mixes fast drum and bass music with the feeling and spirit of Tunisian culture. If you like clean production, exciting rhythms and smart use of vocal samples, you should listen to this.
The EP starts with “Houwa” and it hits hard right away. The beat is fast and strong, with great-sounding drums and bass that feel both modern and traditional. The voice samples are super catchy, especially the “Aywaa” part that gets stuck in your head after just one play. What really makes this song special is the Darbuka, a North African drum. It adds a warm and natural feeling to the electronic sound. It’s not just added on top, the drum fits perfectly into the whole track.
The second song, “Ahla & Sahla” keeps the same energy but adds more. It feels full and rich, with a lot of layers. Hmenou uses samples from old Arab cartoons and old Tunisian TV and radio shows. This gives the track a feeling like looking through happy memories quickly. Even if you don’t know where the samples come from, the song still feels nice and emotional. And the beat? It’s amazing. Your body will start dancing before your mind even thinks about it.
What makes this EP more than just a good drum and bass release is how personal it feels. It’s inspired by Sidi Tinji Street in the center of Tunis, a place full of life and stories. You can really feel how important it is to Hmenou. He takes that feeling and puts it into the music.
Lots of artists try to mix culture with electronic music, but Hmenou does it in a different way. He doesn’t use his background as something extra or “exotic”, it’s a real part of who he is and you can hear that in every sound. In just two songs, he shows his unique style and great skill as a producer. The music is full of energy and emotion and it has a lot of personality. It’s a good reminder that electronic music can be fun and meaningful. Whether you love strong beats or deep stories, “Tinji” has something for you.
