Back from the Brink - Pre-Revolution Psychedelic Rock from Iran (1973-1979)

Many listeners were turned on to Iranian rock musician Kourosh Yaghmaei via two excellent compilations: Forge Your Own Chains, which collected ‘60s and ’70s psych-flavored tracks from around the world, and Pomegranates, which gathered Iranian pop, rock, and funk from the same period. For fans of the two mysterious Yaghmaei gems on those albums—“Hajme Khali” and “Gole Yakh,” respectively—Back from the Brink is a must-have. (Those two tracks are also included here.) The audio quality varies, but Yaghmaei’s artistry always comes through. “Paiz” is melancholy chamber pop with fine-toned guitar, cello, and quietly dramatic piano. “Leila,” which features lovely guitar playing that evokes a sitar, has an almost doo-wop vibe. Sporting a wah-wah guitar and effective horns, “Bachehaye Khoobe Koocheh” could serve as a spy thriller theme, while “Aabere Shab” has an appealing arrangement incorporating funk elements and a grand organ part. The album closes with the chugging “Kei Toe Miayee,” a track that rides a Bo Diddley rhythm.