THE WORLD'S BEST NEW ALBUMS MONTHLY
2025 April Best Albums
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After The Last Sky
ANOUAR BRAHEM
Released 28 March 2025
*****
Not just music to admire - this is music to keep close at hand, to play repeatedly and to live with.
Across three decades of transcendent recordings, Tunisian oud virtuoso Anouar Brahem has sculpted one of the most distinctive voices in global music. Seamlessly blending Arab classical tradition with jazz, chamber music, and folk motifs, Brahem's work resists categorization while honoring the spirit of each influence.
Like Rabih Abou-Khalil, Jan Garbarek, or Shakti, he has forged a luminous musical language that speaks across borders - not through bombast, but with quiet intensity and lyrical precision. His contributions to ECM’s catalog are among its most meditative and enduring, each album a self-contained world of restrained beauty.
After the Last Sky extends this legacy with grace and subtle innovation. Reuniting with cellist Anja Lechner and bassist Dave Holland - two of his most attuned collaborators - and joined by the elusive Django Bates on piano, Brahem crafts a sequence of ruminative, spacious compositions that shimmer with emotional depth.
The album's title suggests loss, aftermath, and imagination beyond boundaries; the music answers with reflection, melancholy, and moments of crystalline hope. Lechner’s cello entwines with the oud like vines on a wind-carved ruin, while Holland and Bates provide rhythmic architecture that never constrains, only uplifts.
What makes After the Last Sky special, even within Brahem’s consistently excellent body of work, is its balance of familiarity and risk. The interplay feels lived-in yet unafraid to explore. Each note is deliberate, unhurried, and emotionally charged. As always, silence is his greatest ally.
More ... ECM
SABLE, fABLE
BON IVER
Released 11 April 2025
*****
Blending introspective indie-folk with soulful optimism, this is Vernons most cohesive, honest, and musically diverse album since his debut.
Justin Vernon’s latest release as Bon Iver, SABLE, fABLE, may best be enjoyed as kind of consolidation of his musical journey so far - blending the introspective melancholy of his earlier work with a newfound sense of optimism and emotional clarity.
The album is structured in two parts: the somber SABLE and the more uplifting fABLE.
The SABLE section revisits the sparse, intimate soundscapes reminiscent of his debut For Emma, Forever Ago, delving into themes of anxiety and vulnerability. Tracks like “Things Behind Things Behind Things” and “Speyside” showcase Vernon's signature falsetto against minimalist arrangements, evoking a sense of introspection and emotional depth.
Transitioning into fABLE, the album embraces a brighter, more hopeful tone. Songs such as “Everything Is Peaceful Love” and “Day One” incorporate elements of pop, soul, and R&B, reflecting Vernon's exploration of renewal and love. Collaborations with artists like Danielle Haim and MonoNeon add richness to the sonic palette, emphasizing a communal and transcendent experience.
Arguably Bon Iver's most honest and emotionally nuanced work to date, the album successfully balances experimental production with heartfelt songwriting. The album's overall cohesion and Vernon's willingness to confront personal mythology and past pain signal a profound artistic and personal evolution.
More ... Bon Iver
A Blade Because A Blade Is Whole
ALABASTER DEPLUME
Released 7 March 2025
*****
Emotional directness and theatrical grace meet in a saxophone’s whispered confession.
British poet-saxophonist Alabaster DePlume continues his idiosyncratic journey on A Blade Because A Blade Is Whole, a collection of sparse, meditative instrumentals and whispered affirmations that feel more like soul rituals than jazz compositions. At the centre is his raw, hesitant saxophone tone — not so much played as spoken, sighed, or wept — evoking the stylised expressiveness of Chinese opera. Like a traditional jingju singer bending pitch with emotive vibrato, DePlume treats each note as a phrase of speech, allowing his phrasing to hover, falter, or cry out, as needed.
This album is less about structure or genre than atmosphere. The ensemble feels like a circle of listeners rather than a band: ambient electronics, pattering percussion, and careful touches of keys create a quietly devotional setting. There’s no urgency to impress, only an invitation to feel. Tracks like “Did You Know” and “Naked Like Water” unfold slowly, as if reminding the listener how to breathe again.
Much like Chinese opera’s careful use of silence and symbolic gestures, DePlume leaves space — and meaning — between the notes. His compositions resist climax, instead favouring a kind of poetic stasis. Repetition becomes ritual. Melodic fragments echo folk modalities from multiple continents, grounded in a global sense of longing.
Despite its austerity, A Blade Because A Blade Is Whole is not minimalist — it is maximal in intimacy. It asks for presence, not analysis. The blade in question is not a weapon, but a mirror: whole only when held with care.
Read more ... Bandcamp
Glory
PERFUME GENIUS
Released 28 March 2025
*****
Perfume Genius's 'Glory' is a masterful blend of introspection and grandeur, reaffirming Mike Hadreas's role as a pivotal voice in contemporary queer music.
Mike Hadreas, performing as Perfume Genius, has been a defining voice in queer art-pop since his 2010 debut Learning. Over seven albums, Hadreas has traversed themes of vulnerability, identity, and transformation, evolving from intimate piano ballads to expansive, genre-defying compositions.
Glory continues this trajectory, blending introspective lyricism with lush, intricate soundscapes. Collaborating with longtime partner Alan Wyffels, producer Blake Mills, and featuring artists like Aldous Harding, Hadreas crafts a work that is both deeply personal and universally resonant.
Hadreas's ability to channel personal narratives into evocative musical expressions allows the album to oscillate between moments of hushed intimacy and grand, orchestral arrangements, reflecting the complexities of the human experience. Tracks like "No Front Teeth," featuring Aldous Harding, showcase a delicate interplay of voices, while "Full On" juxtaposes traditional masculinity with tender imagery, challenging societal norms.
Glory for its emotional depth and sonic richness. Pitchfork notes that the album "evokes the haunted songcraft" of Hadreas's earlier work, yet introduces a "widescreen, expressive production" that lingers with the listener.
Far Out Magazine awarded it a perfect score, describing it as "a wondrous spectacle" that caps off another triumph for Perfume Genius.
The album's exploration of queer identity is both poignant and unflinching. In "Capezio," Hadreas delves into themes of anxiety and insecurity, using the metaphor of ballet shoes to convey vulnerability. Throughout Glory, Hadreas confronts the complexities of the queer experience, crafting narratives that are both specific and universally relatable.
Read more ... Perfume Genius
Uhlmann Johnson Wilkes
GREGORY UHLMANN,
JOSH JOHNSON, SAM WILKES
Released 14 March 2025
****-
Uhlmann Johnson Wilkes' debut album offers a masterful blend of improvisation and composition from some of Los Angeles' most innovative musicians..
The trio of Gregory Uhlmann (guitar), Josh Johnson (saxophone), and Sam Wilkes (bass) is a splendid convergence of artists of impeccable pedigree in music.
Uhlmann, originally from Chicago, has been involved in projects like SML, Duffy x Uhlmann, and collaborations with Perfume Genius.
Johnson, also a Chicago native, has worked with Jeff Parker's ETA IVtet, Meshell Ndegeocello, and Leon Bridges.
Wilkes, known for his work with Sam Gendel, Louis Cole and Chaka Khan, brings a deep understanding of groove and texture.
Their paths have crossed in various configurations, but this marks their first official collaboration as a trio.The trio's debut album defies conventional categorization. Recorded through live performances at L.A.'s ETA jazz club and a session at Uhlmann’s home, the album comprises 11 instrumental tracks that blend improvisation with composed "landing zones." The absence of percussion is notable, yet the trio crafts intricate polyrhythms through staccato picking, sax bursts, and muted bass thumping. Tracks like "Marvis" and "Hoe Down" showcase this rhythmic interplay, while "Fumarole" and "Shwa" delve into ambient territories, utilizing effects pedals and post-production techniques to blur the lines between instruments and genres.
The album concludes with a cover of The Beatles' "The Fool on the Hill," a piece that initially brought the trio together and now serves as a testament to their cohesive synergy, originality and vision.
Read more ... Bandcamp
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The Interlude (EP)
SUMMER PEARL
Released 6 March 2025
Kitto Records
*****
"I channel the experiences of my ancestors, women and myself to conjure emotions to write and express".
Born and raised in London, Summer’s music is a conscious celebration of black and female liberation, with warm, free-flowing lyricism combined with enchanting melodies.
Echoing generational talents like Lauryn Hill with a distinctly fresh, UK twist, through seven tracks Summer Pearl showcases her soulful artistry and genre-fluid sounds. She explains, “I like to think of “THE INTERLUDE” as an exploration of what I hold inside.
Each track differs in sound and subject, and is what I have been thinking about or going through for the past few years. ”
“THE CREATOR” shows off Summer Pearl’s sharp penmanship and lyrical flow, reminiscent of Bahamadia, with her strong spiritual and political lyrics gliding seamlessly over a crunching and weighty hip-hop instrumental.
“THE END GAME” explores the end of a relationship, effortlessly gliding over a smooth yet crunching jazz-infused early 90s hip-hop-inspired instrumental.
Summer Pearl embraces joy and freedom on the EP’s focus track “THE REBOUND”, featuring Rudimental and Steam Down vocalist Afronaut Zu.
“THE INTERLUDE” follows up Summer’s critically acclaimed 2023 debut mixtape “outmysystem”.
Summer has quickly become one of the most exciting new talents in the UK, with radio support from Gilles Peterson and Jamz Supernova, co-signs from acclaimed artists like Omar, Paul Weller, Jamie Cullum and many more.
More ... Bandcamp
Weirdo
EMMA-JEAM THACKRAY
Released 25 April 2025
Brownswood Music
*****
Ditching genre guardrails for controlled chaos and delivering a sonic mixtape of future funk, queered-up jazz, and surrealist soul in glorious, neon-lit disarray.
Known for defying musical boundaries, visionary producer, composer, and multi-instrumentalist, Emma-Jean Thackray's latest work is a deeply personal and utterly original exploration of selfhood, grief, and gratitude.
Drawing on an eclectic mix of influences—grunge, pop, soul, p-funk, and jazz— “Weirdo” is a triumphant celebration of survival and individuality. Written, performed, recorded, mixed, produced and arranged entirely by Thackray in her South London flat, the album stands as a testament to her extraordinary musicianship and fearless self-expression.
Thackray’s lyrics wrestle with heavy themes, moving between moments of despair and determination. The result is an audacious exploration of life’s fragility, delivered with raw honesty and wrapped in a percussive soundscape that feels simultaneously chaotic and cathartic.
Originally conceived as a meditation on neurodivergence and mental health, “Weirdo” evolved after the unexpected loss of her long-term partner from natural causes in January 2023, resulting in an album that feels deeply personal and universal. With intricate compositions, raw emotion, and an unflinching authenticity, “Weirdo” is more than an album; it’s a masterpiece of resilience, a celebration of individuality, and a bold leap forward for an artist at the forefront of British music.
More ... Bandcamp
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Nolite Opus (EP)
JIMI PRASAD ORCHESTRA
JIMI PRASAD, AVISHAI COHEN, REJOICER
Released 25 April 2025
Rw Tapes Records
****-
A quietly daring EP where jazz, electronica, and Indian rhythms intersect - a rare collaboration that rewards close, patient listening.
The Jimi Prasad Orchestra is an exploratory ensemble led by percussionist and composer Jimi Prasad, known for blending Indian classical traditions with experimental jazz and ambient textures. Prasad’s projects often feature rotating international collaborators, and he focuses on creating improvisation-driven, richly layered sonic environments that transcend genre boundaries while remaining rhythmically rooted.
Israeli trumpeter Avishai Cohen is internationally recognized for his luminous tone and lyrical phrasing across jazz, world, and contemporary classical scenes. A member of the Third World Love quartet and the SFJAZZ Collective, Cohen has established a solo career marked by thoughtful, melodic improvisations and a capacity to bridge traditional jazz with modernist sensibilities.
Rejoicer, the alias of Yuvi Havkin, is a Tel Aviv-based producer and keyboardist whose work fuses hip-hop, jazz, funk, and electronica into psychedelic, beat-driven soundscapes. As founder of Raw Tapes Records, Rejoicer has been a key figure in the Israeli beat scene, known for his playful production style and experimental spirit.
Nolite Opus is a compact but fertile meeting ground for three highly intuitive artists. Jimi Prasad's percussion sets a flexible, conversational foundation, favoring complex cycles over rigid timekeeping. Avishai Cohen’s trumpet entries are minimalist but resonant, often preferring breathy, fragmented motifs to fully developed solos. Rejoicer threads subtle electronic textures throughout, using analog synths and understated beats to blur the distinctions between acoustic and digital spaces without overwhelming the natural interplay. The EP favors mood over narrative development, with tracks unfolding in open-ended forms rather than traditional structures. There is a clear emphasis on restraint: no participant dominates, and silence or near-silence is used deliberately as a compositional element.
Occasionally, the minimalism verges on underdevelopment, particularly in the second track where a stronger thematic arc could have elevated the improvisation. However, the closing piece restores focus with a hypnotic groove that balances atmosphere and rhythmic momentum more successfully. Overall, Nolite Opus showcases an experimental yet highly disciplined collaboration, rewarding attentive listening with its intricate micro-interactions rather than bold melodic statements.
More ... Bandcamp
A Strong Desire To Survive
DUENDITA
Released 4 April 2025
10k
*****
There’s a strong sense that this is not an album at all - it’s a transmission from someone trying to stay alive through song.
duenndita is the moniker of New York-based vocalist, producer, and visual artist Celia Woitas. With a background in experimental filmmaking and an ear for minimalist soul, they craft emotionally raw, sonically intimate work that blurs genre boundaries. Their recordings feel like diary entries overheard in a dream, echoing with vulnerability, defiance, and tenderness.
a strong desire to survive is a short album with colossal emotional weight. Built around hushed, lo-fi production - mostly soft keys, subtle distortion, and occasional ambient murmurs - it foregrounds duenndita’s voice, which shifts effortlessly between whispered confessions and aching falsetto pleas.
The album opens with the haunting “bio,” its digital crackle and naked lyricism setting the tone for a project that feels more like survival instinct made audible than a conventional LP. “care” and “sorta like a kiss” channel early Frank Ocean via the sparsest of palettes, and yet every pause feels emotionally saturated. duendita's lyrical economy is startling: lines like “I love you in lowercase” carry the weight of entire chapters.
There’s a DIY ethic here, but not in the scrappy sense - it’s precise, intentional, and almost too intimate, like reading unsent letters. The lo-fi aesthetic is never an aesthetic crutch; it’s a philosophical commitment to truth-telling in its rawest form. Each track is short, many under two minutes, which only amplifies the intensity.
More ... Bandcamp
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New Life (EP)
ZACH WITNESS
Released 25 April 2025
Moveitica
*****
Zach Witness brings sunshine, soul, and sacred energy to the dancefloor on an EP that feels like a morning prayer set to a perfect groove.
Zach Witness is a Dallas-born producer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist whose work floats between house, soul, gospel, funk, and hip-hop without ever fully landing in one spot. First breaking onto the broader radar through his collaborations with Erykah Badu, Witness has since carved a solo path defined by bright production, spiritual uplift, and rhythmic fluidity. His music draws heavily on the Southern gospel traditions he grew up with, but reshapes them into something lighter, danceable, and expansive - music meant for both collective release and personal renewal.
New Life is a vivid showcase of these strengths. Across a tight, focused set of tracks, Witness crafts a seamless blend of radiant basslines, handclap percussion, gleaming synth textures, and ensemble-style vocals. There’s an unmistakable sense of community running through the EP: the songs favor call-and-response energy over solo exhibitionism, as if recorded with the idea that music is something best shared in real time.
Witness’s production resists the temptation to overbuild. Tracks like “Keeping On” and “Hallelujah” are layered, but breathable, leaving space for the beats and harmonies to stretch out naturally. The result is music that invites movement without demanding attention—more sunrise celebration than midnight hedonism. His gospel influences are unmistakable, but New Life never feels retro or stuck in reverence; instead, it repurposes that spiritual fire into grooves suited for the present moment.
If there’s a limitation, it’s only that the EP ends too quickly. New Life sketches a bright world that feels lived-in and real, and it would have been satisfying to explore it a little longer. Still, in its short runtime, Zach Witness captures the feeling of rebirth he promises: light, warmth, and the quiet exhilaration of possibility.
More ... Bandcamp
Tell Dem It’s Sunny
GREENTEA PENG
Released 21 March 2025
Greentea Peng / AWAL Recordings
*****
A rich, introspective journey of authenticity and innovation. With her fusion of genres and heartfelt lyrics she is poised as a maverick icon-in-waiting.
Greentea Peng’s sophomore album, Tell Dem It’s Sunny, marks a bold evolution from her debut, intensifying her sound without sacrificing the soulful, experimental energy that defines her artistry. This record is a potent blend of dub reggae, acid jazz, and broken beat, deeply rooted in London’s streetwise culture. The album ventures into new musical territories while maintaining the cosmic vibrations and reggae-influenced neo-soul of her earlier work.
While her debut, Man Made, offered a woozy, ethereal experience, Tell Dem It’s Sunny delivers a sharper, more grounded sound. Tracks like "Tardis (Hardest)" showcase her refusal to become calloused by experience, integrating spiritual themes with a firm rap over simmering, ominous drums. The album’s title itself is a defiant refusal of darkness, emphasizing internal sunshine despite external challenges.
Critics have praised the album's eclecticism and emotional depth. Mojo highlights the album's medicinal quality, noting that even tracks like "Glory" cling to the sunny side while being aware of incoming clouds. DIY Magazine describes the album as gently transformative, channeling patience and expansion.
Collaborations with artists like Wu-Lu on "My Neck" blend lo-fi hip-hop with Peng's dynamic artistry, creating a pleasingly ominous middle ground. The penultimate track, "I Am (Reborn)," encapsulates the album's theme of personal transformation, repeating the mantra, "I am not who I was yesterday," with increasing force.
More ... Wikipedia
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Possession
SHABAKA
Released 6 December 2024
*****
This isn't jazz in any conventional sense - it’s closer to sacred music, or the sonic equivalent of ink brush painting. A musician once known for firebrand intensity now leaves space for the spirit to breathe.
Shabaka Hutchings is a British-Barbadian multi-instrumentalist and composer best known for his work with Sons of Kemet, The Comet Is Coming, and Shabaka and the Ancestors. Having made his name as a saxophonist pushing the boundaries of contemporary jazz, he recently stepped back from the saxophone to explore the Japanese shakuhachi, a bamboo flute with deep meditative resonance. His solo work now straddles spiritual jazz, ambient, and classical minimalism.
Possession is a patient, exploratory EP that continues Shabaka’s inward journey. A prelude to his forthcoming full-length Perceive Its Beauty, Acknowledge Its Grace, it leans fully into ambient, flute-led soundscapes, eschewing rhythm and urgency in favour of stillness and breath. The EP opens with “End of Innocence,” where woodwinds rise and fall like waves over a distant drone. It's music as contemplation—slow, spacious, and emotionally ambiguous.
The title track, “Possession,” features André 3000 on flute, a pairing that works not because of celebrity novelty but shared sincerity. Their interplay is textural rather than virtuosic, resembling a private dialogue in an ancient temple. “I’ll Do Whatever You Want” introduces a barely-there vocal motif, placing a human voice into this otherwise instrumental world. The closing track “Body to Inhabit” hints at the wider sonic palette to come - warm, mysterious, and slightly more layered.
Rather than assert himself through technical brilliance, Shabaka now invites silence and vulnerability into the frame.
More... Verve
Inspire // Radicalise
ZEITGEIST FREEDOM ENERGY EXCHANGE
Released 17 April 2025
****-
Jazz improvisation meets dance rhythms, delivering a powerful double album that challenges conventions and ignites the spirit.
Zeitgeist Freedom Energy Exchange (ZFEX) is the brainchild of Melbourne-born, Berlin-based drummer and producer Ziggy Zeitgeist. A pivotal figure in Australia's future-jazz and nu-soul scenes, Ziggy gained prominence through his work with the acclaimed collective 30/70.
ZFEX serves as his platform to merge the spontaneity of jazz improvisation with the pulsating energy of dance music, creating a unique fusion that resonates on dance floors and in contemplative spaces alike. The ensemble's sound is a tapestry woven from threads of broken beat, Afrobeat, house, and cosmic jazz, reflecting Ziggy's commitment to musical exploration and cultural dialogue. Their latest release, Inspire // Radicalise, encapsulates this ethos, offering a sonic journey that challenges and uplifts in equal measure.
Inspire // Radicalise is a bold double album that captures the essence of ZFEX's innovative spirit.
Thematically, the album delves into the dichotomy of inspiration and radicalization, urging listeners to find empowerment through artistic expression. This is not just music for entertainment; it's a call to action, a rhythmic manifesto that seeks to inspire change and challenge the status quo.
More... Bandcamp
Exotic Illusions
D.D. MIRAGE
Released 7 March 2025
****-
Balearic beats meet global grooves, delivering a sun-soaked, danceable debut album that captures the essence of Sydney's underground scene.
D.D. Mirage is the Sydney-based duo of Josh Dives and Disky Dee, longtime collaborators who first made waves in the mid-2010s with indie-psyche and punk-shoegaze bands like King Colour and SCK CHX. Emerging from Sydney's warehouse party scene, they transitioned into the electronic realm, drawing inspiration from Balearic, Italo disco, dub, and street-soul records.
Exotic Illusions is a vibrant fusion of genres, paying homage to global sounds like Italo disco, funk napolitano, boogie nigeriano, cosmic house, and British street soul. The album features eight tracks, including collaborations with artists such as Hotel, Jofi, Jermango Dreaming, and Private Joy.
The duo's use of vintage synthesizers, tropical percussion, and guest vocals creates a soundscape that is both nostalgic and forward-thinking.
Their background in Sydney's underground scene is evident in the album's atmospheric yet danceable tracks, making Exotic Illusions a compelling debut that invites listeners to explore its layered textures and rhythms.
Read more... Bandcamp
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Big Sky, Liquid Sun (EP)
SLEEP D
Released 11 April 2025
*****
Inspired by their natural surrounds - a transcendent journey of ambient textures and rhythmic explorations.
Sleep D, the Naarm/Melbourne-based duo of Maryos Syawish and Corey Kikos, have been pivotal in shaping Australia's underground electronic music scene since the early 2010s. Founders of the influential label Butter Sessions, they are renowned for their immersive live sets and genre-blurring productions that meld ambient textures with techno and house rhythms. Their latest EP, Big Sky, Liquid Sun, released on April 11, 2025, marks a new chapter in their discography, reflecting a deeper connection to the natural world and their surroundings.
Big Sky, Liquid Sun is a four-track exploration that traverses from the ethereal to the elemental. Opening with "Green Thumbs," the EP introduces a serene soundscape of expansive string refrains and enveloping vocal choirs, gradually building into a rhythmic journey with surging breakbeats.
"Mountain Ash," the lead single, offers an ascendant techno experience, characterized by its driving beats and atmospheric layers. "Acheron Cauldron" delves into deeper realms, presenting a forceful rhythm that tunnels forward with shimmering intensity. Closing the EP, "Magma Flow" delivers a trance-inducing finale, with textured layers that evoke a sense of natural immersion.
Read more ... Bandcamp
New Tomorrows
SOLA ROSA
Released 7 March 2025
****-
Celebrating 25 years of genre-blending innovation, this is a reflective yet progressive collection that bridges past achievements with future musical explorations.
Sola Rosa is the enduring project of Auckland-based producer and multi-instrumentalist Andrew Spraggon. Since its inception in 1999, Sola Rosa has evolved from a solo studio experiment into a dynamic, genre-blending act, seamlessly fusing elements of funk, soul, jazz, hip-hop, reggae, and electronic music.
Over the past 25 years, Spraggon has released seven full-length albums and numerous EPs, earning acclaim for his innovative sound and collaborative spirit. His work has featured a diverse array of vocalists and musicians, contributing to Sola Rosa's reputation as one of New Zealand's most influential and evolving musical projects.
Spraggon describes Newe Tomorrows as capturing "the vibe of the last few Sola Rosa releases, which were more focused on live instrumentation" and "...a bridge between ‘Chasing the Sun’ (2020-2021) and the next chapter of the project."
The EP features collaborations with notable artists, including AKOSIA, Joe Probert, and Lewis McCallum, whose contributions add depth and diversity to the project.
Critics have praised New Tomorrows for its cohesive sound and emotional resonance.
Read more... Bandcamp
Te Whare Te Wekaweka
MARLON WILLIAMS
Released 4 April 2025
Marlon Williams / Secretly Distribution
*****
A heartfelt exploration of Māori identity, blending traditional language with contemporary sounds: spiritually resonant and culturally significant.
Marlon Williams, a celebrated singer-songwriter from Lyttelton, New Zealand, is renowned for his genre-blending artistry that traverses folk, country, and indie rock. Of Ngāi Tahu and Ngāi Tai descent, Williams has consistently infused his music with a deep sense of place and identity. His fourth studio album, Te Whare Tīwekaweka—translating to "The Messy House"—marks his first project entirely in te reo Māori, reflecting a profound reconnection with his ancestral roots. This endeavor is guided by the Māori proverb, "Ko te reo Māori, he matapihi ki te ao Māori" ("The Māori language is a window to the Māori world"), underscoring his commitment to cultural exploration through music.
Te Whare Tīwekaweka is a luminous and spiritually resonant work at the heart of which lies connection: the album’s five-year process reconnecting Marlon to family, friends and his home town of Lyttelton after a globe-trotting decade establishing his career.
Sung entirely in te reo Māori, the album delves into themes of love, identity, and cultural introspection. Collaborations with artists like Lorde on "Kāhore He Manu E" and KOMMI on "Huri Te Whenua" enrich the album's tapestry, blending traditional Māori motifs with contemporary musical sensibilities.
The album's emotive depth and genre-defying compositions. led Rolling Stone Australia to describe it as "a stunning ode to love, life, and connection," highlighting its role in celebrating Māori culture. Clash Magazine echoed this sentiment, noting the album's radiant and uplifting nature, portraying it as a spiritual homecoming for Williams.
As a cultural statement, Te Whare Tīwekaweka invites listeners into the rich linguistic and emotional landscapes of te reo Māori. It's a milestone in Williams' artistic evolution and his dedication to honoring and revitalizing his heritage through song.
Read more ... Mercury KX
The Cloud Maker
THE CLOUD MAKER
Released 28 February 2025
****-
Global feminine myths intertwined with experimental soundscapes, inspire a transcendent musical journey that honors ancestral narratives through a fusion of traditional and contemporary instruments.
The Cloud Maker is a genre-defying collective of five female master musicians from Australia and New Zealand, each bringing a rich cultural heritage to their collaborative artistry. The ensemble includes Te Kahureremoa Taumata (Māori), Sunny Kim (Korean), Aviva Endean (Jewish), Maria Moles and Freya Schack-Arnott.
Their journey began in 2019 at the Banff Centre in Canada, where an encounter with the Māori moth goddess Raukatauri inspired a fusion of ancient narratives and contemporary soundscapes.
Utilizing a diverse array of instruments - Taonga Pūoro (Māori traditional instruments), Putorino (a cocoon-shaped flute associated with the goddess Raukatauri), bass clarinet, harmonic flutes, cello, nyckelharpa, prepared piano, and drums - the group weaves stories of goddesses and ancestral myths into their music. The use of traditional instruments in particular adds a layer of authenticity and depth to the compositions.
Their self-titled debut m marks a significant milestone in their exploration of feminine mythology through a 13-track odyssey that transcends conventional genre boundaries, blending elements of folk, world, and experimental music.
Recorded on (unceded) Wurundjeri land at Sydney Road Studios, the album serves as a sonic vessel for ancient tales of fierce battles, shamanic dances, and journeys to the afterlife and exemplifies the ensemble's ability to channel archetypal stories into immersive musical experiences. Critics have praised the album for its ritualistic and mystical qualities, noting its capacity to transport listeners across time and space.
Read more ... Bandcamp
Artifactual Rhythm
ALEXANDER FLOOD
Released 4 April 2025
****-
Jazzy, electronic and global beats combine in a compelling album of refined dance music - a fusion of live instrumentation and innovative production.
Hailing from Tarntanya (Adelaide), dynamic Australian drummer, producer, and composer Alexander Flood first came to notice with his 2022 breakout album The Space Between, and in particular for his innovative fusion of jazz, electronic, and global rhythms.
With a foundation in jazz and a passion for diverse musical traditions, Flood has carved a niche in the contemporary music scene, blending intricate live percussion with modern production. His collaborations span a spectrum of artists, reflecting his versatility and commitment.
Artifactual Rhythm, Flood's fourth studio album, pays homage to both traditional rhythms and modern beats. The opening track, "Life Is A Rhythm" featuring Cazeaux O.S.L.O, sets the tone with its compelling spoken word layered over intricate drum patterns. "Don't Wait 4 Me," with Kara Manansala, introduces UK garage influences, while "Can't Get Enough" featuring Vivian Sessoms infuses soulful house vibes reminiscent of New York's vibrant club scene (Adeva, anyone?). Instrumentals like "Artifact" and "Cinnamon & Clove" highlight Flood's prowess in crafting immersive sonic landscapes.
Engineered and co-produced by Lewis Moody, the album boasts contributions from notable musicians, including Erica Tucceri on flute and Finn Rees on Rhodes. On digital platforms, Flood also released a 40-minute DJ mix encapsulates the album's essence, offering a continuous journey through its diverse soundscape.
Read more... Bandcamp
Nothing
DARKSIDE
Released 26 February 2025
****-
Blending ambient textures, psychedelic rock, and electronic improvisation in a profound exploration of modern existential angst.
Darkside is an experimental electronic trio comprising producer Nicolás Jaar, multi-instrumentalist Dave Harrington, and drummer/instrument designer Tlacael Esparza.
Initially formed as a duo, Darkside expanded to include Esparza for this, their third studio album.
The group is renowned for blending ambient textures, psychedelic rock, and electronic improvisation, creating immersive soundscapes that challenge conventional genre boundaries.
Nothing emerges as a profound exploration of modern existential angst, encapsulating themes of societal unrest and personal introspection.
The album's creation involved improvisational sessions dubbed the "Nothing Jam," fostering a free-form approach that allowed the trio to delve into uncharted sonic territories. This methodology resulted in a collection of tracks that are both raw and meticulously crafted, reflecting the chaotic beauty of the contemporary human experience.
The opening track, "Slau," sets the tone with its dub-infused rhythms and ambient layers, while "S.N.C" introduces funk elements reminiscent of Stevie Wonder's clavinet grooves. "Are You Tired? (Keep on Singing)" transitions into a jam that echoes the improvisational spirit of the Grateful Dead, showcasing the band's versatility and willingness to traverse diverse musical landscapes. The two-part "Hell Suite" stands out as a centerpiece, with Jaar's haunting vocals delivering poignant reflections on societal decay.
In it's review, Resident Advisor noted that the album is "more kinetic, haphazard and melodic than anything the group has made before," highlighting the dynamic percussion and genre-blending compositions.
Elsewhere, Pitchfork praised the album's ability to capture "the contemporary sense of dread and societal upheaval," emphasizing its relevance in today's tumultuous world.
Read more ... Bandcamp
Stumbledown Terrace
KINSKI
Released 7 March 2024
****-
A compelling blend of post-rock and psychedelic influences, showcasing the trio's dynamic range and reaffirming their status in the alternative rock landscape.
Formed in the late 1990s, Kinski is a Seattle-based band renowned for their fusion of post-rock, noise, and psychedelic influences. Over the past 25 years, they've released a series of albums that showcase their commitment to expansive soundscapes and experimental compositions. Their latest release, Stumbledown Terrace, marks their tenth studio album and a return to their power trio roots, featuring Chris Martin on guitar, Lucy Atkinson on bass, and Barrett Wilke on drums.
Stumbledown Terrace is a 40-minute journey that encapsulates Kinski's signature blend of heavy riffs and atmospheric textures. The album opens with "Do You Like Long Hair?", a nearly eight-minute track that sets the tone with its driving rhythms and layered guitar work. "Experimental Hugs" offers a brief yet intense burst of energy, while "Slovenian Fighting Jacket" stretches out into an expansive, nearly nine-minute exploration of sonic landscapes.
Critics have praised the album for its dynamic range and immersive quality. The Fire Note noted that Kinski "strips it down and cranks it up—this trio sounds bigger than ever," highlighting the band's ability to create a vast sound with a minimalist lineup. Spectrum Culture described the album as "a reminder that post-rock and space rock don’t need to be so deadly earnest all the time," emphasizing its balance between intensity and playfulness.
Produced by Tim Green at Louder Studios in Grass Valley, California, the album captures the raw energy of Kinski's live performances while offering a polished studio sound. From the intricate guitar work to the tight rhythm section, Stumbledown Terrace stands as a testament to Kinski's enduring presence in the alternative rock scene.
Read more ... Bandcamp
Gemini
THE SURE FIRE SOUL ACADEMY
Released 28 March 2025
*****
A masterful blend of jazz and funk that balances the nostalgic and the refreshingly contemporary.
The Sure Fire Soul Ensemble is a nine-piece instrumental group hailing from San Diego, California. Formed in 2012 by keyboardist and composer Tim Felten, the ensemble is renowned for its rich blend of jazz, funk, soul, and cinematic influences. Their music draws inspiration from '70s film scores, classic funk rhythms, and modern soul, creating a sound that is both nostalgic and contemporary. Over the years, they've released several albums, including Step Down (2022) and Build Bridges (2019), earning them respect in the modern world of soul-jazz.
The title of the Ensemble's fifth studio album, referencing the Latin word for "twins," subtly encapsulates the band's dual commitment to jazz and funk, the foundational genres of their sound.
The title track, "Gemini," serves as a centerpiece, weaving together the album's themes of duality and cohesion.
Read more ... Bandcamp
Just Us
BOB JAMES | DAVE KOZ
Released 7 March 2025
****-
An intimate, acoustic duet experience, showcasing their profound musical connection through a blend of original pieces and reimagined standards.
Bob James, an 85-year-old jazz luminary, has been a pivotal figure in the genre since being discovered by Quincy Jones in the 1960s. His innovative work has influenced both jazz and hip-hop, with tracks like “Nautilus” becoming staples for sampling. Dave Koz, a Grammy-nominated saxophonist, has been a prominent name in smooth jazz since the 1990s, known for his emotive playing and collaborations with artists like Gerald Albright. Their decades-long friendship culminates in Just Us, a project that strips down to the essence of their musicality.
Just Us is a collection of 10 acoustic duets featuring only piano and saxophone. Recorded primarily in James' living room, the album exudes a raw and intimate atmosphere. The duo explores a mix of original compositions and reimagined standards, allowing their instruments to converse without the embellishment of additional production.
Critics have praised the album's sincerity and the duo's chemistry. Jazz Weekly described it as “a beaut, filled with communication and lyricism,” highlighting the seamless blend of their instruments. The Urban Music Scene remarked on the duo venturing into “unfamiliar territory – a strictly acoustic duet setting,” underscoring the boldness of this endeavor.
Read more ... Just Us Album Page
Gloria
DUSTIN WONG
Released 1 April 2025
****-
Experimental guitar work combines with personal narratives to craft an album that is both innovative and deeply moving.
Dustin Wong is a Japanese-American guitarist and composer renowned for his innovative use of looped guitar layers and experimental soundscapes. Emerging from the Baltimore art-rock scene with bands like Ponytail and Ecstatic Sunshine, Wong has since carved a distinctive solo path, blending intricate guitar work with ambient textures. His collaborations span diverse artists, including Takako Minekawa, and his releases on labels like Thrill Jockey and Hausu Mountain have solidified his reputation as a boundary-pushing musician.
Gloria is a deeply personal tribute to Wong's late grandmother, Gloria Violet Lee Wong. The album draws inspiration from a 2023 road trip they shared along the American West Coast, weaving memories and familial reflections into its sonic fabric .
Musically, Gloria melds surf guitar tones and Hawaiian slide with Wong's signature looped guitar techniques, creating an "avant-exotica" soundscape . Tracks like "Memories of Cordelia" evoke nostalgic imagery, blending digitized warmth with unaffected sweetness. The album's structure mirrors the journey it commemorates, with each track representing a vignette from their travels .
Read more ... Bandcamp
Forever Howlong
BLACK COUNTRY, NEW ROAD
Released 4 April 2025
****-
The wild boys are gone but the enchantment lingers in this strange, folk-inflected rebirth.
Black Country, New Road emerged from the UK post-rock and art-rock scenes with a genre-blurring sound, avant-garde energy, and poetic lyricism. Their early work drew critical acclaim and comparisons to Slint and GY!BE. Following the departure of key members, the group now re-emerges with a female-led lineup and renewed artistic focus.
Forever Howlong is a bold reinvention. Where earlier BCNR albums thrived on frenetic energy and unfiltered angst, this iteration embraces fluidity and fragility. Georgia Ellery, May Kershaw, and Tyler Hyde now guide the ensemble with a quieter, more introspective sense of purpose - trading out post-punk bluster for harmonium drones, choral rounds, fiddle flourishes, and soft-spoken melodies.
There’s a pastoral eccentricity here that evokes The Incredible String Band at their most lucid - although we have not found a direct connection except that the two bands once shared a bill in London.
Like ISB, Forever Howlong plays out less like an album and more like a communal rite: intimate, handmade, theatrical in spirit but never overwrought.
It’s not just the instrumentation that’s shifted in this iteration of the group, there’s a palpable change in authorship too. The shifted gender dynamic feels deeply embedded in the music’s emotional tone: more open, sometimes awkwardly honest, occasionally brittle, but always sincere.
The result is an album of graceful oddities and acoustic sketches that rewards quiet attention. Where others hear Joanna Newsom, The Decemberists or the Canterbury scene during the late 1960s and early 1970s (Soft Machine, Caravan, Hatfield and the North, National Health, Gong), some of us can’t help but hear the ghost of Licorice and Heron.
Read more ... Website
The Second High
LIZ STRINGER
Released 28 March 2025
*****
No gimmicks, no gloss—just soul, sweat, and a songwriter hitting her stride.
Liz Stringer is a Melbourne-based singer-songwriter known for her emotionally raw lyrics, powerful voice, and roots-inflected rock. After years of cult acclaim, as a solo artist or in collaboration with Jen Cloher and Mia Dyson as Dyson Stringer Cloher, she’s gained wider recognition for her sharp observational writing and commanding stage presence. The Second High continues her evolution as one of Australia’s most compelling musical storytellers. That she can call on a choir consisting of Al Parkinson, Alice Williams, Audrey Powne, Deline Briscoe, Emma Donovan, Jessie Lloyd, Karen Lee Andrews, Kylie Auldist and Nadine Budge - a decent start on a who's-who of Australian contemporary singers - on her song I'll Never Abandon Myself Again, shows this high standing.
The Second High is a confident, widescreen album that leans into classic rock textures without losing Stringer’s hallmark intimacy. Her voice - earthy, steady, and utterly sincere - remains the grounding force, capable of capturing both defiance and tenderness within a single phrase. While previous albums sometimes felt inward-looking, The Second High carries a new kind of propulsion. The arrangements are polished but not slick, with rhythm sections that swing and snap, and guitar lines that shimmer just enough to elevate without crowding her.
There’s a Springsteen-like quality to some tracks - songs about escape, reckoning, and resilience - but filtered through an unmistakably Australian sensibility. Stringer’s lyrics, always precise, feel especially focused here: sharper in their details, broader in their scope. Whether she’s singing about addiction, estrangement, or late-blooming joy, she does so without melodrama, with a quiet kind of authority.
It’s not a reinvention, but a strengthening—an artist in her prime taking full command of her sound. The Second High doesn’t chase trends; it deepens Stringer’s voice in the contemporary singer-songwriter canon.
Read more ... Bandcamp
Your Guide To Revolution
MARY OCHER
Released 14 June 2024
*****
An album that empowers through its energizing urgency and radical manifesto for life.
Marey Ocher is a boundary-pushing artist whose work blends experimental rock, electronic elements, and politically engaged lyricism. Known for her conceptual approach to music, Ocher delves into themes of revolution, resistance, and personal transformation.
A release from almost a year ago, that escaped our attention at the time, Your Guide To Revolution is a thrilling, percussive exploration of revolution and resistance, where Ocher blends electronic and rock influences into a strikingly cohesive whole. The music is purposefully unsettling at times, drawing the listener into a space that feels both tense and energizing. Shifting rhythms and sharp synths create an atmosphere of urgency, but there’s a precision in how Ocher balances intensity with clarity. The arrangements pulse and flicker, propelling forward while remaining grounded in their artistic vision. The discomfort that arises from the music isn’t chaotic - it’s deliberate, a carefully constructed invitation to rethink societal and personal norms.
Accompanying the album is a provocative text, A Guide to Radical Living, which challenges listeners to embrace a life of nonconformity. It offers practical wisdom for artists and other "outsiders" looking to live with just enough, argue for the necessity of poverty in a world obsessed with wealth, and navigate the discomfort of going against the grain. The text is a perfect companion to the album, underscoring the themes of survival, self-reliance, and resistance in both artistic and everyday life.
Read more ... www.maryocher.com
Skrifum
JON BALKE
Released 28 February 2025
ECM
*****
for all the technological sophistication employed, there is an almost calligraphic quality to the melodic lines and sounds
Norway’s Jon Balke proposes a new sonic dimension with Skrifum, continuing a line of inquiry begun with Warp (2016) and Discourses (2020), solo piano albums which also processed the acoustic environment in which the music was heard. Skrifum, however, takes things a step further, as is apparent from the outset. Where the piano music of Discourses was threaded with subtly collaged ‘field recordings’, like subliminal messages from the outside world, Skrifum is more self-contained, a deeper journey into the sound-universe of the piano itself.
Balke’s newest solo music is made with the aid of electronic audio tool the Spektrafon, live processing software which he helped develop together with technology professor Anders Tveit at the Norwegian Academy of Music. Using this interface, Balke is now able to directly manipulate ambient audio sound from the piano in real time – pulling out frequencies and sustaining them as chords of harmonics, showers of sparkling overtones, or eerie drones. Activated and energized reverberation thus becomes new material for improvised interaction and dialogue, often with quite beautiful results.
Skrifum means “write” in Icelandic and, for all the technological sophistication employed, there is an almost calligraphic quality to the melodic lines and sounds that Balke carefully shapes along the way: writing, drawing and designing the music in the changing light and lengthening shadows cast by the processed material.
Read more... ECM
Winter Poems
YUVAL COHEN QUARTET
Released 14 February 2025
****-
An assured blend of genres and emotions that establishes Cohen as a significant voice.
Soprano saxophonist Yuval Cohen’s debut for renowned label is a thrilling offering that captures the brother of long-time ECM traveller Avishai Cohen charting innovative paths through eight originals in graceful interplay with his quartet.
Pianist Tom Oren, bassist Alon Near and Alon Benjamini on drums are longtime acquaintances of Yuval’s who are not only outstanding instrumentalists in their own right, but share a deep, intuitive understanding for the leader’s musical language and improvisational approach.
Tracks like "First Meditation" and "The Dance of the Nightingale" exhibit a calm, reflective quality, while pieces such as "Avia" and "Song for Lo Am" showcase the quartet's ability to navigate more energetic and explorative terrains. "For Charlie," dedicated to Charlie Chaplin (not Parker or Haden), stands out for its nostalgic air, featuring Cohen's transition from saxophone to melodica mid-piece.
Cohen's classical training is evident throughout the album, particularly in the title track "Winter Poem," which draws inspiration from Schubert's Winterreise.
This classical underpinning, combined with jazz improvisation, creates a unique soundscape that is both structured and free-flowing.
Read more ... ECM
Bagatelles Vol. 4
JOHN ZORN, IKUE MORI
Released 7 March 2025
****-
Mori not only pays homage to Zorn's compositions but expands their horizons with the fusion of electronic innovation and compositional depth.
John Zorn, the prolific New York-based composer and saxophonist, is renowned for his genre-defying works that span jazz, classical, rock, and avant-garde music. In 2015, he composed The Bagatelles, a collection of 300 concise compositions designed to inspire improvisation across diverse ensembles
Ikue Mori, a pioneering figure in experimental electronic music and a longtime collaborator of Zorn, brings her distinctive approach to Bagatelles Vol. 4, interpreting his compositions through her innovative use of electronics.
Utilizing her laptop and electronic instruments, Mori transforms Zorn's concise pieces into intricate soundscapes that challenge traditional jazz norms. Her meticulous arrangements infuse the album with a blend of grace and complexity, offering a fresh perspective on Zorn's work.
Recorded in November 2019 at Komachi Studios in New York City, the album was produced and arranged by Mori herself, with mastering by Scott Hull at Masterdisk . Ikue
Read more ... Tzadik
For You
YUKIMI
Released 28 March 2025
****-
Yukimi dials down the neon and finds warmth in minimalism, revealing her most emotionally candid work to date—where jazz phrasing, subtle textures, and hushed confessions speak volumes.
Yukimi Nagano is best known as the magnetic vocalist of Swedish electro-soul group Little Dragon, whose idiosyncratic blend of synth-pop, R&B, and experimental electronica has earned a global following. With a voice that shifts effortlessly from sultry restraint to soulful urgency, she’s been a sought-after collaborator (Gorillaz, SBTRKT, De La Soul) as well as the sonic heart of her band. For You marks her debut solo album—a stylistic pivot away from the tightly coiled grooves of Little Dragon toward a looser, jazz-informed palette that reveals a more introspective and personally revealing side of her artistry.
On For You, Yukimi steps out from Little Dragon’s kaleidoscopic aesthetic and into a softer, more contemplative space. The album trades dense electronics for organic textures—upright piano, brushed drums, double bass—and places her voice, raw and closely mic’d, at the emotional center. Gone are the synth spikes and club-floor undercurrents; what remains is the lyrical intimacy that has always defined her best work, now stripped of affectation.
Tracks like “Break Me Down” (featuring Lianne La Havas) and “Runaway” recall late-90s nu-jazz and early 2000s UK soul—think Jill Scott or Nia Archives reimagined with Nordic restraint. Her phrasing leans toward the conversational; lines trail off, hang unresolved, or slide into falsetto, revealing vulnerability without needing to underline it. On “Make Me Whole,” the instrumentation thins to a whisper, making space for one of her most naked performances to date.
Erik Bodin (her longtime bandmate and producer) wisely resists over-orchestration. His minimalist production choices—field recordings, analog keys, and gentle tape hiss—accentuate Yukimi’s melodic instincts while preserving the sense that these songs were written and recorded in the quiet aftermath of something personal. It’s a bold move for an artist so strongly associated with groove-heavy innovation.
For You doesn’t push boundaries in the way Little Dragon often has, but it doesn’t need to. It’s a deeply personal recalibration—less spectacle, more spirit—and a reminder that Yukimi’s artistry was never limited to one sound.
Read more... Bandcamp
Adagio
ΣTELLA
Released 4 April 2025
****-
Σtella invites listeners into a serene, introspective journey, blending Greek and English lyrics with minimalist arrangements to explore themes of love, time, and personal transformation.
Stella Chronopoulou, known professionally as Σtella, is a Greek singer-songwriter and visual artist whose music blends elements of indie pop, folk, and electronic music. Emerging from Athens' vibrant music scene, she has released several albums that showcase her distinctive style and introspective lyrics.
Adagio, her fifth studio album, is a contemplative exploration of love, time, and personal growth. Departing from her earlier, more upbeat work, this album embraces a slower, more introspective pace, as suggested by its title. The music is characterized by nylon-string guitars, subtle percussion, and ambient keyboards, creating a warm, enveloping soundscape.
Notably, Adagio features Σtella's first songs performed in Greek, including "Omorfo Mou" and a cover of Litsa Sakellariou’s 1969 classic "Ta Vimata." These tracks add a layer of cultural authenticity and personal significance to the album. The decision to sing in her native language emerged during a period of personal reflection, beginning with a melody conceived on a ferry ride to Anafi in 2019. This moment marked the genesis of the album's introspective tone.
Collaborations with international artists like Rafael Cohen of !!! and British songwriter Gabriel Stebbing contribute to the album's rich, textured sound. Tracks such as "Baby Brazil" and "Too Poor" blend elements of samba and indie pop, while "80 Days" offers a more acoustic, contemplative experience. The album's production, handled by Σtella and mixed by Edmund Irwin-Singer, maintains a cohesive, minimalist aesthetic throughout.
Although the album's lyrical content occasionally leans towards the simplistic, the overall effect of Adagio is one of serene introspection. It's an album that invites listeners to slow down and engage with the nuances of emotion and memory, solidifying Σtella's place as a thoughtful and evolving artist in the contemporary music landscape.
Read more ... Bandcamp
anaiis & Grupo Cosmo
ANAIIS, GRUPO COSMO
Released 24 November 2024
Dream Sequence Recordings, 5dB
****-
anaiis & Grupo Cosmo's collaborative mini-album fuses soulful vocals with Brazilian rhythms, creating an intimate, cross-cultural tapestry that celebrates unity, identity, and the transformative power of music.
anaiis is a French-Senegalese singer-songwriter based in London, known for her genre-blending approach that fuses elements of soul, R&B, and world music. Her work often explores themes of identity, transformation, and cultural heritage. Here she collaborates with Brazilian trio Grupo Cosmo, comprising Biel Basile, Sessa, and Marcelo Cabral, to create a cross-cultural musical experience
The result is a seven-track mini-album that serves as a testament to the power of cross-cultural collaboration. Recorded in Brazil, the album seamlessly blends anaiis's soulful vocals with Grupo Cosmo's rich Brazilian musical heritage, resulting in a soundscape that is both intimate and expansive.
The opening track, "Toda Cor," features Brazilian singer Luedji Luna and sets the tone for the album with its lush arrangements and harmonious vocals. The song, born from a shared experience during an artist residency in Salvador, Brazil, encapsulates the album's themes of unity and cultural exchange.
Throughout the album, anaiis sings in both French and English, adding layers of linguistic texture that enhance the emotional depth of the songs. Tracks like "Voyage" and "Honeydew" showcase the synergy between anaiis and Grupo Cosmo, with Sessa's delicate guitar work and Cabral's bass lines providing a warm foundation for anaiis's expressive vocals.
The production is characterized by its organic feel, with live instrumentation and minimal electronic elements. This approach allows the natural timbres of the instruments and vocals to shine, creating an immersive listening experience that transports the listener to the heart of Brazil.While the album's brevity leaves the listener yearning for more, its concise nature contributes to its charm, offering a snapshot of a unique artistic collaboration that transcends geographical and cultural boundaries.
Read more ... Bandcamp
Moroccan Electroacoustic Music 1972-74
AHMED ESSYAD
Released 11 December 2024
****-
Essyad’s archival masterworks reframe the electroacoustic avant-garde through a Moroccan cosmology of sound.
Ahmed Essyad, born in 1938 in Morocco, is a pioneering composer who merged traditional North African music with European avant-garde and electroacoustic techniques. Educated at the Paris Conservatory, his work spans orchestral, choral, and electronic forms, often exploring identity, language, and memory through a radical blend of Arab-Andalusian modes and experimental Western forms.
Moroccan Electroacoustic Music 1972–74 is a fascinating archival release that captures Essyad at a vital creative intersection - merging the spiritual gravitas of Moroccan music with the spatial abstractions of European tape music.
Created during a period of residence in France and Morocco, the album reflects an acute sensitivity to sound texture and ritual. Unlike the folkloric appropriations common in European musique concrète at the time, Essyad’s work retains cultural integrity, using traditional sources not as exotic color but as compositional language.
The electroacoustic palette - tape splicing, reverb, modulated drone - is applied to fragments of malḥūn, gnawa, and Amazigh (Berber) vocal traditions, stretching time and distorting tonality without erasing identity. The result is akin to Bernard Parmegiani’s sonic fluidity or Karlheinz Stockhausen’s spatial dramaturgy, but rooted in the trance cycles of Moroccan Sufi ceremony. Where contemporaries in Europe chased abstraction, Essyad invokes memory. This music communicates across centuries.
At a time when electronic music was turning inward or futuristic, Essyad reached backward and outward, drawing past and place into the electroacoustic present. The pieces resist linear narrative, instead unfolding like living archives - whispers of marketplaces, chants through minaret loudspeakers, the thud of a foot in dust - reassembled through a magnetic, modernist lens.
Read more ... Bandcamp
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A Gifted Path (Live)
AHMED ELMAAI
AMSTERDAM ANDALUSIAN ORCHESTRA
Released 1 April 2025
*****
Elmaai and the Amsterdam Andalusian Orchestra breathe spirited life into centuries-old music, without losing a grain of its complexity.
Ahmed Elmaai is a versatile Moroccan-Dutch vocalist whose repertoire bridges classical muwashshah, malḥūn, and Maghrebi popular song. He is a lead soloist with the Amsterdam Andalusian Orchestra, an ensemble dedicated to reviving and reinterpreting the rich legacies of Andalusian and North African music with contemporary finesse and diasporic sensitivity.
A Gifted Path (Live) showcases the Orchestra at its most luminous, with Elmaai delivering vocals of immense poise and passion. The live format allows the ensemble’s interplay to shine - oud, violin, qanun, and percussion weaving through complex nūba structures with unforced precision. Elmaai's voice is a marvel: liquid and earthy, ornamented yet never excessive, grounded in tradition but attentive to phrasing like a jazz singer.
The program moves fluidly between Moroccan-Andalusian classics, rearranged with grace, and original pieces that subtly expand the idiom. Unlike studio interpretations of ṭarab that can become overly refined or sterile, this performance crackles with presence. The audience - audible but respectful - functions almost as a second instrument, grounding the reverence of the moment.
Crucially, the album avoids the exoticism often attached to such projects. There’s no attempt to dilute the tonal complexity or rhythmic asymmetry of the source material. Instead, the orchestra brings diasporic nuance to heritage, creating a dynamic, living tradition that’s both virtuosic and emotionally generous.
In a time when many ensembles are reaching for fusion, A Gifted Path feels like a distillation - elegant, deep-rooted, and fully alive in the moment of performance.
Read more ... Amsterdam Andalusian Orchestra
Yarin Yoksa
DERYA YILDIRIM & GRUP SIMSEK
Released 14 March 2025
****-
A mesmerizing fusion of Anatolian folk and psychedelic soul: fresh Turkish psych-folk with bold production and global appeal.
Yarın Yoksa, translating to "If There Is No Tomorrow," marks the third studio album by Derya Yıldırım & Grup Şimşek. Produced by Leon Michels, known for his work with Clairo, the album presents a rich tapestry of sounds that seamlessly blend Turkish psychedelic soul with Anatolian folk traditions.
The opening track, "Çiçek Açıyor," sets a cinematic tone with lush arrangements and Yıldırım's ethereal vocals, signaling the album's expansive sonic journey. "Cool Hand" features the distinctive bağlama riff, a nod to Turkish and Ashik musical heritage, layered over electronic organ sounds, creating a fusion of the traditional and contemporary. Tracks like "Direne Direne" and "Ceylan" showcase the band's ability to reinterpret classic Anatolian songs, infusing them with modern psychedelic elements and soulful grooves.
The album's inventive arrangements and the band's cohesive interplay led The Guardian to describe it as "a feast of woozy Turkish psych", highlighting the group's imaginative evolution of the Turkish psych sound.
Read more ... Bandcamp
Kiniata
KIN'GONGOLO KINIATA
Released 4 April 2025
*****
A groundbreaking fusion of Congolese rumba and electro-punk, delivering a raw, socially charged soundscape crafted from the heart of Kinshasa's streets
Kin'Gongolo Kiniata is a dynamic five-piece band from Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. They craft a vibrant fusion of Congolese rumba, electro-punk, and urban rhythms using handmade instruments fashioned from recycled materials. Their music reflects the resilience and creativity of Kinshasa's street culture, delivering powerful messages of social justice and hope.
Their use of handcrafted instruments -such as xylophones made from detergent bottles and guitars from scrap metal - infuses the music with a raw, authentic energy.
Tracks like "Toye Mabe" and "Liseki Te" showcase the band's ability to merge rhythmic complexity with poignant lyrics addressing themes of homelessness, war, and survival. The song "Toko Lemba Te" stands out with its hypnotic grooves and call for peace and dignity for the Congolese people .
Kiniata's debut showcases a band fully formed. It's musical poise and execution demonstrates originality and depth, and in its exciting fusion of Kinshasa's urban rhythms with contemporary influences has created a genre that is as attractive to the ear as early reggae, a half a century ago.
Kiniata is a powerful debut that not only redefines the contours of Congolese music but also serves as a compelling call for social change. It's a must-listen for anyone interested in the evolving landscape of global music.
Read more ... Bandcamp
So Kono
SALIF KEITA
Released 11 April 2025
*****
His most intimate work to date, a stripped-down acoustic journey, reaffirms his status as a masterful storyteller and vocalist.
Salif Keita, the revered Malian singer-songwriter known as the "Golden Voice of Africa," makes a poignant return with his first album in seven years. Recorded primarily in a Kyoto hotel room during the 2023 Kyotophonie Borderless Festival, this acoustic collection offers an intimate glimpse into Keita's artistry and captures him in this raw and unembellished setting, accompanied by longtime collaborators Badie Tounkara on ngoni and Mamadou Koné on calabash . The album revisits several of Keita's earlier works, offering fresh interpretations that highlight his matured vocal timbre.
The album is a welcome addition to Keita's discoigraphy, especially for its intimate production and Keita's expressive vocals. Keita's voice, although now notably huskier at age 75, adds layers of richness and poignancy to the album, that no studio effects can replicate (or should mask).
Read more ... Bandcamp
Eclairer le Monde
Light the World
YOUSSOU N'DOUR
Released 4 April 2025
Youssou N'Dour & TBI Publishing
****-
Blending traditional mbalax rhythms with contemporary sounds, N'Dour delivers a powerful and socially conscious album that reaffirms his global musical legacy.
Youssou N'Dour, born 1959 in Dakar, Senegal, is a pioneering figure in world music, renowned for popularizing mbalax, a fusion of traditional Senegalese rhythms with jazz, soul, and Latin influences. Beyond music, he's also been a cultural ambassador and political figure, serving as Senegal's Minister of Tourism and Culture.
Éclairer Le Monde marks a rejuvenated chapter in N'Dour's illustrious career. Co-produced by Michael League (Snarky Puppy) and percussionist Weedie Braimah, the album blends energetic roots of his early mbalax style with contemporary production.
"Tout Pour Briller" opens the set with vibrant percussion reminiscent of N'Dour's 1980s hits, setting an uplifting tone despite its generic lyrics about self-improvement.
"Sa Ma Habiibi" addresses forced marriage with a compelling rhythm, showcasing N'Dour's commitment to social issues. "Say Thank You" is a tribute to mothers, combining heartfelt lyrics with dynamic instrumentation. "Sam Fall" honors the Baye Fall Islamic sect, featuring acoustic guitar interplay between League and longtime guitarist Tapha Gaye. "On L'a Fait" is a buoyant football anthem featuring N'Dour's son, Nelson, adding a familial touch to the celebratory track.
"Tell Me What You Want" strays into neo-soul balladry (and english), which breaks the flow briefly, the album otherwise successfully reconnects with the essence of N'Dour’s earlier work.
Read more ... RealWorld
Snow Flower
TENZIN CHOEGYAL
MATT CORBY, ROHIN JONES
ALEX HENDRIKSSON
Released 4 April 2025
****-
A transcendent blend of Tibetan spirituality and modern soundscapes, offering a meditative journey through life's impermanence.
Tenzin Choegyal is a Grammy-nominated Tibetan-Australian musician renowned for blending traditional Tibetan music with contemporary sounds. Born into a nomadic family in Tibet and later exiled to India, Choegyal's work reflects his deep spiritual roots and commitment to preserving Tibetan culture through music. His collaborations span genres and cultures, showcasing his versatility and dedication to musical exploration.
Snow Flower is a collaborative effort between Tenzin Choegyal, Australian singer-songwriter Matt Corby, and Rohin Jones of The Middle East. Produced by Alex Henriksson at Rainbow Valley Studios in New South Wales, the album comprises seven tracks that fuse Tibetan spiritual traditions with contemporary musical elements.
The album is intentionally recorded at 432 Hz, a frequency believed to have healing properties, aiming to create a meditative and immersive listening experience. Choegyal's dranyen (a traditional Tibetan lute), Corby's Moog One synthesizer, and Jones' acoustic guitar converge to craft a soundscape that is both ethereal and grounded.
Tracks like "Passage" and "Dreaming" stand out for their trance-like qualities, incorporating Tibetan flutes, mantras, and spoken passages from the Tibetan Book of the Dead. "Lullaby" offers a gentle blend of Choegyal's vocals with electronic arrangements, while "Dusk" introduces subtle electronic beats and echoing chants, reflecting the album's theme of life's impermanence.
Read more ... Tenzin Choegyal
Low End Love Songs
PALE JAY
Released 6 September 2024
Instrumental Released 31 January 2025
Karma Chief / Columbia Records
****-
Emotional complexity, vintage aesthetics and modern introspection - a compelling sophomore album.
Pale Jay is a Los Angeles-based soul musician known for his falsetto vocals and a distinctive blend of vintage soul, funk, and modern R&B. Emerging with his 2021 EP The Celestial Suite, he maintains an enigmatic presence, often performing in a red balaclava, adding a layer of mystique to his persona.
Low End Love Songs is Pale Jay's sophomore album, following his debut Bewilderment. Recorded over four weeks, the nine-track album serves as a musical diary, delving into themes of love, loss, and self-discovery. The album marks a progression from loop-based compositions to more organic arrangements, incorporating Latin rhythms and soulful melodies. Tracks like "The Garden" and "Easy, Lee" showcase his falsetto against lush instrumentation, reflecting a matured sound. Critics have praised the album's authenticity and emotional depth, noting its cohesive narrative and production quality.
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Caoilfhionn Rose - Constellation Sessions
Live at Space Studios, Manchester (EP)
CAOILFHIONN ROSE
Released 11 April 2025
****-
An intimate glimpse into ethereal soundscapes, capturing the delicate interplay of ambient folk and jazz in a live setting.
Caoilfhionn Rose is a Manchester-based singer-songwriter known for her ethereal blend of ambient folk, jazz, and dream-pop, acclaimed for her introspective lyrics and delicate vocal delivery. Rose's music often explores themes of nature, mindfulness, and emotional introspection, creating immersive sonic landscapes.
Constellation Sessions captures a live performance of six tracks from Rose's 2024 album Constellation.
Recorded at Space Studios in Manchester, the EP features Rose on vocals, piano, and acoustic guitar, accompanied by Rich Williams (guitar, synths), Jasmine Myra (saxophone), Gavin Barras (bass), and Alan Taylor (drums, samples) .
The EP opens with "Wandering Mind," an ethereal track highlighted by Myra's saxophone and Rose's soothing vocals. "Into Sky" and "Momentary" continue the ambient journey, blending gentle melodies with subtle electronic textures. "Josephine" and "Fall into Place" showcase Rose's ability to convey deep emotion through minimalistic arrangements. The closing track, "A Light in the Middle," offers a serene conclusion to the set, emphasizing the ensemble's cohesive interplay.
The live setting adds a raw authenticity to Rose's compositions, allowing listeners to experience the nuanced dynamics of her performance.
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Cafe del Mar
Ibiza Chillout Mix
Vol. V and VI
DJ RAVIN
VARIOUS ARTISTS
Vol V Released 13 January 2025
Vol VI Released 11 April 2025
Cafe Del Mar Music, Can Ganguil
****-
Another seamless blend of classic and contemporary chillout tracks, capturing the serene essence of Ibiza's sunsets and the ever-reliable CdM vibe.
Since its inception in 1980 in San Antonio, Ibiza, Café del Mar has been synonymous with the Balearic chillout sound. Its iconic sunset sessions and curated compilations have set the standard for ambient and downtempo music, offering listeners a sonic escape that mirrors the serene Ibiza coastline.
The Curator Behind the Mixes is DJ Ravin, born in Mauritius and based in Paris, who has been a pivotal figure in the chillout scene. Known also for his work with the Buddha Bar series, Ravin brings a global perspective to his mixes, seamlessly blending diverse genres and cultures into cohesive auditory experiences.
Mix V offers a 55-minute journey through 16 tracks that encapsulate the essence of modern chillout. The compilation features a blend of established artists and emerging talents, delivering a rich tapestry of sounds that evoke the tranquil vibes of Ibiza.
Standout Tracks include:
"Amor Astral" by Eric Hilton feat. Natalia Clavier: A dreamy opener that sets a mellow tone with its lush instrumentation and soothing vocals.
"Leggy" by Fila Brazillia: A groovy, downtempo track that adds a touch of funk to the mix.
"Estelle (AMCA's Censer Remix)" by A Man Called Adam: A reimagined classic that blends nostalgia with contemporary beats.
"Movin On" by Jesse Bru: While upbeat, it slightly disrupts the otherwise cohesive flow of the compilation.
Mix VI continues the journey with a 44-minute set comprising 12 tracks. This installment leans more into ambient textures and subtle rhythms, offering a more introspective listening experience.
Standout Tracks here include:
"Neon Whispers" by A Vision of Panorama: A synth-laden track that captures the essence of twilight in Ibiza.
"Lady Chaoss" by Tuccillo: A minimalistic piece that gradually builds, enveloping the listener in its hypnotic groove.
"Soul Travelling" by DJ Trax feat. Café del Mar: A fusion of jazzy elements and downtempo beats, offering a reflective listening experience.
These compilations don't push at any musical boundaries, but for chill-out aficionados, they're close to perfect.
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Anthem
44TH MOVE
(ALFA MIST + RICHARD SPAVEN)
Released 14 March 2025
*****
As 44th Move, Alfa Mist and Richard Spaven push jazz into new territory with a debut full of texture, restraint, and rhythmic sleight-of-hand - joined by Quelle Chris for a cerebral detour.
Alfa Mist is a London-based pianist, producer, and composer whose work bridges jazz, hip-hop, and soul. Emerging from the UK’s grime and beat-making scenes, he’s become a central figure in the UK jazz renaissance, known for introspective compositions and rich harmonic layering.
Richard Spaven is a virtuosic British drummer rooted in jazz but equally at home in the worlds of drum’n’bass, broken beat, and electronic music. A frequent collaborator with artists like José James and Flying Lotus, Spaven is renowned for his crisp, syncopated grooves and experimental approach.
Quelle Chris is a Detroit-born rapper and producer known for his dense, cerebral lyricism and a distinctly raw, underground hip-hop sound. Often collaborating with Chris Keys and his wife Jean Grae, he brings a biting sense of humor and political edge to everything he touches.
Anthem is the debut LP from 44th Move, the duo project of Alfa Mist and Richard Spaven. Across nine tracks, the album delivers a thoughtful yet rhythmically daring fusion of jazz, broken beat, and leftfield hip-hop, clocking in at a tight 35 minutes.
The album’s ambient opener, “10 Photos”, features turntablist Awkward and sets the tone with subtle scratch textures and atmospheric keys.
The title track, “Anthem”, floats on flute improvisations by Graeme Blevins, with Spaven’s drums teasing the edge of syncopated chaos.
“The Move”, with Quelle Chris, is a standout moment - his dry wit and wordplay cutting through Alfa Mist’s muted harmonies.
On “2nd September”, guitarist Jamie Leeming provides gliding melodic lines over glitchy percussion, echoing the introspection of Alfa’s solo work.
The final stretch leans into experimentation. “Free Hit” and “Free Hit (Outro)” deconstruct breakbeats into near-abstraction, while “Second Wave” plays with ambient textures and filtered drum’n’bass phrasing. The closer, “Barrage”, leans into dub influences with spacious reverb and a looping bass throb.
Thoughtful, minimalistic, and sharply produced - an assured debut with few missteps - Anthem feels like a dialogue between artists who understand space as much as sound. More cool breath than explosive gesture, it rewards repeat listens and slow immersion.
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Homage
JOE LOVONO
MARCIA WWASILEWSKI, SLAWOMIR KURKIEWICZ, MICHAL MISKIWICZ
Released 25 April 2025
****-
Joe Lovano looks inward, upward, and outward in a meditative album that honors the past without ever sounding stuck in it.
Joe Lovano has been a towering figure in modern jazz for over four decades, celebrated for his expressive tenor saxophone tone, adventurous spirit, and ability to navigate tradition and innovation with equal ease. A longtime mainstay on Blue Note and ECM, he has led groups as varied as his straight-ahead quartets, the open-format Us Five, and the more spiritual Trio Tapestry. Lovano’s playing remains rooted in bebop language but is deeply colored by modal explorations, global influences, and a search for a personal voice that transcends genre and era.
Homage feels like a deeply personal project - both a tribute to Lovano’s musical ancestors and a reflection on his own journey. The tone is often subdued, contemplative, and warm, favoring lyricism over flash. Working largely with a pared-back trio, Lovano gives himself and his bandmates wide-open structures to improvise within. The soundscape is dominated by brushed drums, spacious bass lines, and Lovano’s unhurried, conversational saxophone lines, often extending melodies with the patience of someone savoring the process rather than chasing a climax.
Rather than presenting obvious dedications or standards, Lovano composes originals that evoke the spirit of his mentors -pieces that feel like whispered conversations with Ornette Coleman, Wayne Shorter, John Coltrane, and Paul Motian. His tone throughout is rich but slightly weathered, lending the album a reflective mood that never tips into sentimentality.
Homage demands attentive listening; it’s an album of quiet revelations rather than grand statements. If some moments verge on too diffuse, the best pieces - like the solemn “Seeds of Change” and the wandering ballad “Spirit Walker” - remind us that jazz, at its heart, is an act of remembrance as much as creation. Lovano doesn’t merely honor the past here; he uses it as raw material for something quietly but profoundly new.
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Under Tangled Silence
DJRUM
Released 25 April 2025
****-
Djrum dives deep into the subconscious with a dense, shape-shifting record where silence, rhythm, and texture dance in the shadows.
Djrum (pronounced “drum”), the alias of London-based producer Felix Manuel, has long stood apart in the electronic music world for his ability to merge genres into emotionally complex, cinematic compositions. Emerging from the UK bass scene, his work is steeped in dubstep’s weight, techno’s structure, jazz’s improvisational feel, and classical music’s sense of dynamics and mood. Known for his intricate live sets and painstaking studio productions, Djrum crafts soundscapes that feel less like tracks and more like personal, shifting environments.
Unter Tangled Silence is easily his most abstract, ambitious work to date. Rather than offering dancefloor functionality, Djrum constructs a dense labyrinth of sound where rhythm pulses irregularly, melodies blur into textures, and silence itself becomes a vital compositional tool. This is music of dissolution and emergence—moments of stillness suddenly fracture into percussive storms, only to recede again into ghostly, half-remembered phrases.
The production is astonishingly detailed: vinyl crackle, field recordings, prepared piano, processed beats, and fragmented voice samples weave a tapestry that’s both lush and disorienting. Tracks like “Thresholds” and “Memory’s Call” stretch time, refusing easy resolution. You’re meant to drift, get lost, and be surprised. Djrum’s background as a DJ is clear, but he now seems less interested in flow and more fascinated by rupture - how contrast and discomfort can create deeper emotional impacts.
There are nods to early Autechre, classic ambient, and experimental jazz throughout, but Unter Tangled Silence never feels derivative. Djrum’s gift lies in maintaining a strong emotional current even when the sonic architecture becomes opaque. It’s not an easy listen; casual engagement reveals only fragments. But give it time, and the album opens up like a dream you can barely explain but can’t quite forget.
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Time
HIDETUKI HASHIMOTO
Released 25 April 2025
*****
Hideyuki Hashimoto's latest album "Time" weaves together threads of nostalgia, longing and introspection in a collection as tranquil as the still reflection depicted in the album's cover art.
Born in Japan, Hashimoto's musical journey has been marked by a relentless pursuit of innovation, blending elements of ambient, electronic, and jazz to create a distinctive sonic landscape.
On "Time", Hashimoto's masterful production brings together lush textures and haunting melodies, conjuring vivid imagery that transports listeners through the passage of time. From the opening notes of "Morning Dew", it's clear that this album is a labor of love, with each track meticulously crafted to evoke a sense of timelessness.
Throughout the album, Hashimoto's subtle use of field recordings and found sounds adds an layer of depth, blurring the lines between reality and dreamscape. The result is an immersive experience that invites listeners to reflect on their own relationship with time.
Standout tracks like "Lost in the Haze" and "Echoes in the Night" showcase Hashimoto's ability to balance melancholy with hope, crafting a sense of resolution that lingers long after the music fades. "Time" is a testament to Hashimoto's skill as a composer and producer, and a must-listen for fans of atmospheric electronica and introspective soundscapes.
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Music Made For Aliens
Live at Maarweg Studio 2 Cologne (DJ Mix)
MARC ROMBOY, RHANI KRIJA
Released 25 April 2025
Awesome Soundwave
****-
Romboy and Kriji bring their otherworldly sound to life in a captivating DJ mix that defies terrestrial bounds beautifully.
Marc Romboy and Rhani Kriji are two producers who have been making waves in the electronic music scene with their unique blend of dark, atmospheric soundscapes and driving beats. Their latest release, "Music Made For Aliens - Live at Maarweg Studio 2 Cologne", is a live DJ mix that showcases their skill and chemistry as a duo.
Recorded at Maarweg Studio 2 in Cologne, the mix is a masterclass in building tension and release, with Romboy and Kriji seamlessly weaving together their own tracks with those of like-minded artists. The result is a hypnotic and immersive listen that draws the listener in and refuses to let go.
Throughout the mix, Romboy's signature dark, tech-driven sound is perfectly complemented by Kriji's more atmospheric and ambient leanings, creating a sense of depth and dimensionality that is rare in live DJ sets. Standout tracks like "Dark Matter" and "Cosmic Dust" showcase the duo's ability to craft infectious, dancefloor-friendly beats, while their own original tracks add an extra layer of excitement to the mix.
The crowd's energy is palpable throughout the recording, and Romboy and Kriji's banter and segues add a human touch to the proceedings. "Music Made For Aliens" is a must-listen for fans of dark, driving electronic music, and a testament to the duo's skill and chemistry as live performers.
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Downhill From Here
GILAD HEKSELMAN
Released 25 April 2025
****-
Delicate piano-driven melodies and subtle electronic textures blend in a soothing album of introspective and playful moments.
Gilad Hekeselman's "Downhill From Here" is a nuanced album that showcases his skill as a composer and pianist. The album's sound is characterized by intricate piano work, subtle electronic elements, and a blend of jazz and folk influences. Hekeselman's production is warm and intimate, capturing the subtleties of each performance.
The tracks range from reflective, melancholic pieces to more upbeat, kinetic moments, creating a dynamic listening experience.
On tracks like "Downhill From Here", Hekeselman's piano playing is particularly expressive, with a gentle touch that belies the complexity of the music. The electronic elements add a layer of depth to the sound, while the jazz and folk influences provide a sense of warmth and familiarity.
Throughout the album, Hekeselman's attention to detail is evident in the way each track is carefully crafted to create a sense of flow and cohesion. The result is an album that is both soothing and engaging, with a sense of musicality that is hard to find in many contemporary releases. Whether you're looking for music to relax to or simply appreciate well-crafted instrumental music, "Downhill From Here" is a great choice. The album's thoughtful pacing and nuanced soundscapes make it a compelling listen from start to finish.
Hekselman (Guitar, Compositions) is joined here by Larry Grenadier (Bass) and Marcus Gilmore (Drums)
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Silent Course
NORDKRAFT BIG BAND
REMY LE BEUF, DANIELLE WERTZ
Released 25 April 2025
*****
Remy Le Boeuf and Danielle Wertz bring their creative chemistry to the fore in a vibrant big band setting, blending jazz and contemporary influences and deliver a masterwork of poetic songcraft.
Vocalist Danielle Wertz, saxophonist and arranger Remy Le Boeuf and the Denmark-based Nordkraft Big Band are each singular forces in their respective spheres. But bound by the collective spirit - and operating at the ideal intersection of modern jazz, contemporary classical music, and folk nouveau - they create art beyond the sum of their sounds on Silent Course.
Works of deep contemplation, these rich story paintings speak to universal emotions while carving out a distinct space of their own. It’s music that seems preordained, with undeniable substance and synergy at play, yet it took Le Boeuf’s role as a unifying force to bring this triangular triumph to fruition.
With a program split evenly between expanded arrangements of Wertz originals, new Le Boeuf entries, co-advanced material from the vocalist’s folio, and broadened takes on singer-songwriter gems from past and present, Silent Course stands as a testament to captivating beauty in balance. To all parties’ credit, each number is a world unto itself.
A singular project and a true gift of expression, this music represents the pinnacle of collaborative invention. “I’m so grateful that we had the opportunity to do this together,” Wertz remarks and Le Boeuf echoes with thanks to the Nordkraft Big Band. Their appreciation and sincerity both ring true at every turn on Silent Course.
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