“WE LISTENED TO THE RADIO” By Nourallah Brothers

After decades of silence, the Nourallah Brothers have now released “We Listened to the Radio," a reflective and harmony-rich single which marks their first release in 25 years. Major global streaming platforms such as Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube, Amazon Music, and Deezer have now made the track available, allowing us to experience once again the unique blend of “Faris” and “Salim Nourallah,” whose musical chemistry was buried under years of estrangement. This masterpiece serves more than just a song; it stands as a quiet reconciliation, a moment where reconciliation meets artistic revival.

The striking and reflective tone of the singular track pulls listeners into a nostalgia-laden world beginning with the very first notes. Its high register melodies lightly transport you through an exploration of memory, offering a glimpse into a world less cluttered with chaotic distractions. Salim and Faris were each to take charge of individual elements of the song, its delicate emotional gravitas was driven by Salim's low vocals and warm harmonies, whilst Faris's soaring to baring high vocals injects an emotionally tied sense of longing. Finally, in a remarkable performance, the two singers have aptly demonstrated what it means to intertwine two lifelines drifting apart for years.

The song weaves in and out of harsh and gentle, both at once, recalling the brothers’ Brit-inspired pop days but more mature, restrained, and subdued. The instrumentation offers no distraction from the vocals, as the acoustic guitars, gentle touches of piano, and softened vocals create an easily stepped into space. There is no overproduction attempting to contemporize the sound, instead, the band focuses fully on their heartfelt songwriting and timeless arrangements, not retro ones. The song was not made for trends and hit-making schemes. “We Listened to the Radio” exists for each other, and for the pure listeners.

The music tells a fascinating story, and it turns out that the backstory is equally as compelling. In the late '90s, Austin college radio led to the discovery of an unreleased song by Nourallah Brothers, which was later picked up by Brian Sampson of Western Vinyl. The brothers received acclaim for their first album in 2000 with Secretly Canadian, even getting a spot on VPRO’s national radio in Amsterdam. Unfortunately, Faris's struggles, like his battles with agoraphobia, hindered the brothers from attaining fame and caused a creative and personal divide between the two. For twenty years, their paths didn’t cross each other. In 2009, Faris exited the music industry entirely, while Salim continued producing albums for various artists and spearheading a solo career.

That is why this reunion is so special. “We Listened to the Radio” wouldn’t be about starting a reunion tour for the sake of nostalgia; it’s about rediscovering joy, reclaiming what was lost, and honoring the bond that initially made them brothers in sound. Salim’s resolve in protecting their shared legacy during the years of silence is starting to bear fruit. Diving into their unreleased archives, he found untold riches, and this track is one of them. It is one more piece in the great mosaic of their long-established devotion to artistry. For old fans, it is a moment of unexpected delight. For new ears, it is an open door to a journey laden with heartache, resilience, and, in the end, reunion.

To the Nourallah Brothers’ “We Listened to the Radio”, they offer something deeper than the fast hits and fleeting singles prevalent today. It’s a soft soothing tune for all those who recall the irresistible yearning of songs on the radio and a love letter to childhood nostalgia. Join Salim and Faris as they invite you to partake in rekindling not only the connection between themselves, but the magic of music. Stream the song now on Spotify, YouTube, Apple Music, or any platform of your liking. The Brothers’ song goes beyond just being a mere tune; it is a part of an unscripted tale that is only being told now.

Written by Manuel