An invigorating, melodic rock appeal shines across Be Someone, the new album from Dozenz. The project is led by the duo of Saleh Hamed (Sol Farah) and Ahmed Al Jamali, who have been pivotal in the past two decades shaping the United Arab Emirates’ alt-rock scene. Their involvement in the band Gray Test first brought Hamed and Jamali attention. Hamed later joined the successful band Juliana Down, amongst the most successful UAE artists of the past decade — and also earning a nomination with MTV Europe Music Award for Best Middle East Act.
With their band Dozenz, Hamed and Jamali produce a spirited rock sound that often recalls the impassioned, hook-filled appeal of The Killers in its aesthetical drive. Be Someone also achieves a resonating thematic consistency, seemingly an exploration of life’s challenges and the interplay between self-doubt/determination, love/loss, and despair/hope. Reassuring portrayals of personal renewal also bolster themes of transformation, making for an emotionally impactful and thematically cohesive success of an album.
The aforementioned yearning for self-improvement is immediately conveyed on stirring opening track “Be Someone.” “I feel like it’s gotta be alright / I’m ready, gonna take it on the chin,” the vocals proclaim amidst buzzing guitars and synths, exuding a determined spirit to fight against all odds and come out a stronger individual. “Young Tomorrow” is another highlight in a comparable thematic vein, succeeding with a heartfelt string-laden pop direction instead. “Seems like I’m always on the outside looking in,” the soaring vocals exude. “Praying I’ll wake up young tomorrow.” The desire for renewal consumes within a radiant pop/rock blend that succeeds in both meditative introspection and anthemic vigor.
Be Someone is also particularly affecting in its explorations of love and its various emotional complexities. Infusing synth-y pop and soulful rock resonance, “Lie to Love You” captivates in its expressive vocal outpouring. Spacey synth effervescence takes particular hold in the second half, complementing an poignant depiction of a fading relationship’s crossroads: “You’ve got to choose if we’ll see this through / But I can’t lie just to love you.” Twangy, atmospheric guitars and swelling vocal passion star on “Senseless,” artfully giving off feelings of adoration and the impact of a love that leaves one senseless: “I’m hooked on what you’re dealing.”
From pieces of synth-touched pop vulnerability like “Senseless” to powerful rock proclamations of self-betterment like the album’s title track, Dozenz’ Be Someone navigates with emotively gripping and melodically memorable charm.
