Mahdi Khene - Mahdi Khene

Mahdi Khene

​Mahdi Khene
self-released; 2018

​3.8 out of 5

By Vidal Granandos

Mahdi Khene is a self-taught musician and songwriter. Originally born in Algeria, Khene moved to New York City with his family as an infant. Khene has travelled the world having spent time in Maryland, D.C., Paris, Barcelona, Berlin and Virginia before making his way back to the Big Apple. Now the guitarist writes and performs any chance he gets. Putting his writings to use, Khene completed his EP in his room and is ready to share his music with the world.

The album opens with the lovesick track “Long Night.” Right away Khene demonstrates solid songwriting within the lyrics, “The last thing written on his tombstone, the only heart he ever broke was his own. And with a stone cold soul he kept squeezing the coal for her.” The bluesy sound adds to the late night drive down memory lane filled with regret.  The following track “Dog & Bone” continues the story with the mellow vibe as the lost lover tries to come back into your life after regretting leaving in the first place. “Well well, look who came around. You were off in the deserts of your mind thirsty weren’t you? And now some car picked up your hitch hiking soul. And youre here knocking on my door.”

“Big Break” examines the mindset of a person who tries to make it in a big city. No doubt this song was therapeutic for Khene as he travelled the world only to return to one of the cities. While the song starts off melancholy and slow, it progresses in an upbeat vibe filled with hopefulness that implies you can conquer anything. Even if you don’t necessarily make it, the important thing is to etch out your own happiness for your peace of mind. “Take It Slow” is where Khene takes a more folky rock n’ roll route sounding in the similar vain to Mac Demarco.

​Much like his journeyed life, Mahdi Khene’s EP comes around full circle. From start to finish it’s about the adventure of love and the ups and downs it brings. Yet he keeps things light by reminding listeners to take it easy and live in the moment. His style is in the similar vain of Bob Dylan and Lou Reed. It has a little bit of folk, blues and rock n’ roll to blend a sound that everyone should find enjoyable.

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