Tafrigh: An Album by Safir and Otagh Band

Tafrigh (Subtraction) is a reflection of the pandemic era, embodying the sense of deprivation and fear that many have experienced in recent years. This fear is not only a result of the viruses and diseases that thrive on human connections, but also the isolation and confinement that arise when those connections are broken. Tafrigh captures the consequences of isolation during the age of quarantine.

"Tafrigh" is a two-volume experimental album featuring the band Otagh and Iranian rapper Safir. While both volumes contain similar tracks, they also feature key differences and additions.

When listening to both volumes of Tafrigh, listeners encounter two narratives of the same story. The first volume's lack of rap prompts the listener's mind to wander, ultimately resulting in a unique interpretation of the story. This notion is reflective of the album's title, "tafrigh", which translates to "subtraction".

"Tafrigh is a mesmerising post-modern mixture of bizarre moments; both in the music and the lyrics. It is very much parodic, juxtaposed and grotesque; but unlike many of its counterparts, it shows decent technique and musicianship." Songlines Magazine

Credits:

Rapper: Safir

Guest Rappers: Rokh, Daygard

Composer: Bamdad Afshar

Guest Composers: Aso Kohzadi, Asghar Piran, Saeed Dehghan, Najwa

Lyrics: Safir, Bahman Bakhtiari, Rokh, Daygard, Poria Alami

Otagh Band: Niusha Ghorbani (Vocals, Cello), Pouya Shomali (Bass), Omid Saidi (Ney-anban), Asghar Piran (Vocals, Setar), Bamdad Afshar (Shruti Box, Synths)

Guest Musicians: Aso Kohzadi (Violin, Piano), Mahsa Aboutalebi (Qanoon), Niloufar Ghorbani (Piano), Martin Shamoonpour (Flute), Kiarash Bakhtiari (Electric Guitar), Arash Vali (Guitar, Percussion), Ahmad Ghorbani (Vocals)

Rap Recording: Sahand Mohammadzadeh

Rap Mix: Saeed Dehghan

Mix and Mastering: Reza Asadpour

Graphics: Hamid Shavarean

Produced by Hesam Garshasbi