Two decades after shaking the foundations of the UAE’s underground rock movement, Saleh Hamed (Sol Farah) and Ahmed Jamali return as Dozenz, wielding a revitalised sound. Their debut full-length as this reimagined duo, ‘Be Someone’, plays like a declaration; unapologetic, ambitious, and carved from years of evolution, perseverance, and creative defiance.
From their early days trailblazing at festivals in the Gulf, when the very notion of a homegrown rock band sharing billing with global names was near-mythical, Hamed and Jamali have never been content to sit still. This record reflects that same hunger, but with sharper edges and a broader emotional palette. It reframes the past through a kaleidoscope of present-day influences and fearless experimentation.
At its heart, ‘Be Someone’ is a balancing act between the punch of indie-rock and the atmosphere of modern electronica. Imagine The Killers jamming with Depeche Mode at sunrise, just as Tame Impala drops in with a bag of synths and psychedelic flourishes. Tracks like the title cut are pure alt adrenaline- anthemic without feeling forced- while ‘Daylight’ pulses with retro-futuristic glow, straddling vintage grit and sleek contemporary production.
‘Rules of the Heart’ and ‘Falls Apart (Pick Yourself Up)’ are masterclasses in restraint and emotional build. Their strength lies in the vulnerability beneath the sound- the cinematic sweep, the faltering voice that never quite breaks but always feels like it might. The tension here is real, and it’s magnetic.
There’s an undeniable sense of purpose throughout. Dozenz aren’t just making music for the sake of nostalgia or reinvention. They’re writing their legacy in real time, tapping into personal histories, collective resilience, and sonic wanderlust. Every synth swell and drum hit feels earned.
For fans of emotionally intelligent rock that’s not afraid to dream big, ‘Be Someone’ is a true rebirth. Turn it up, let it run, and watch the horizon catch fire.
