Briars of North America
Ishtirak is an instrumental trio formed by Samah Boulmona, Dylan Greene, and Jeremy Thal in 2021. Our first album, recorded in post-crisis Beirut, reflects the country’s struggle during a time of economic collapse, scarce electricity, and power outages.
Our self-titled album was produced in collaboration with Lebanese musician Etyen, and released on the Beirut-based Thawra label. It grew out of recorded improvisations, with Samah on a 1986 Alpha Juno II synth, Dylan on drums and percussion, and Jeremy on French horn, melodica, and a worn-out OP-1.
In 2025, a live recording of Ishtirak was featured as part of Fake Lines: Sono Levant, a compilation album featuring artists from across the MENA region. The majority of the revenue generated from this project will directly support grassroots organizations in Palestine.
Videos from our May 2024 show in Beirut:
bandcamp→
Instagram→
THAWRA RECORDS→
Our self-titled album was produced in collaboration with Lebanese musician Etyen, and released on the Beirut-based Thawra label. It grew out of recorded improvisations, with Samah on a 1986 Alpha Juno II synth, Dylan on drums and percussion, and Jeremy on French horn, melodica, and a worn-out OP-1.
In 2025, a live recording of Ishtirak was featured as part of Fake Lines: Sono Levant, a compilation album featuring artists from across the MENA region. The majority of the revenue generated from this project will directly support grassroots organizations in Palestine.
Videos from our May 2024 show in Beirut:
bandcamp→
Instagram→
THAWRA RECORDS→
