With so much good music coming through thick and fast, it’s easy for brand-new music to drop online and go overlooked. To help prevent this, we’ve picked five new releases you may have missed but need to hear — stream music from Salami Rose Joe Louis, Electric Capablanca, Run Child Run, Aki Rissanen, Greg Foat & James Thorpe. If you like what you hear, hit the links and support the artists.
Salami Rose Joe Louis – Zdenka 2080
The Brainfeeder label is the perfect fit for Salami Rose Joe Louis. On her third album and first for the Los Angeles based imprint her sweet vocals, lo-fi beats, and of-the-box sleepy jams feel right at home. The 22-track LP called ‘Zdenka 2080’ finds Louis drawing influence from a series of apocalyptic sci-fi novels by Octavia Butler and Gene Wolf. “They inspired me to explore the realms of fantasy as a means of illuminating concepts and truths about our own society and humanity,” she says. Her quirky brand of experimental electronica will appeal to fans of Tebbs and Samiyam. Once again, Louis has delivered another extraordinarily unique and intriguing record. Give the LP a spin below, and bask in the brilliance of Salami Rose Joe Louis.
Electric Capablanca – Puzzles & Studies
Mysterious outfit Electric Capablanca drops a superb album via the always reliable Kit Records. The title of the album is inspired by a former champion chess player, and ‘Puzzles & Studies’ cleverly pieces together soothing ambient sounds and throbbing drone soundscapes. From the ever twisting turns of opener’ Baltic Variation’ to the deeply meditative atmospherics of ‘Zugzwang’ and the pastoral charm and stirring ambience of closing track ‘Gluoco Piano, this collection deserves the highest praise. The richness and deepness of the music layers make for an ever so beautiful listening experience.
Run Child Run – Peace Process
Following last years stellar debut album, Ian Sims aka Run Child Run now brings his new album ‘Peace Process.’ On his debut album, ‘Vanishing Point’ he delivered a series of his late-night reflections whereas the new record finds RCR deep in thought at the start of the day. Much like ‘Vanishing Point’, the strength of this album comes from repetition with lines being repeated and grooves seemingly stuck, which gives his music a peaceful and meditative feel. The songs here though are much more fleshed out and have a lighter feel representing a new time in his life where he’s starting to build a family, finding a sense of home and finding new love. Where his first record felt quite heavy and dark, the tone of voice running through ‘Peace Process’ is full of love and joy. Highlights on this solid album include ‘Yaman’, ‘Reflection’, ‘Must I’, and ‘Monsoon’. The standout cut ‘Prayer’ which features the rich tones of EL Tsid is one of the most beautiful tracks you’ll hear all year. Another winner from RCR!
Aki Rissanen – Art In Motion
Art In Motion is the third album from Finnish pianist Aki Rissanen and his long-standing trio with bassist Antti Lötjönen and drummer Teppo Mäkynen. And it’s sublime! An album that binds European Classical influences with an electronic dance music aesthetic and framing it with a distinctive approach to Nordic Jazz. Warm, uplifting and infectious, Art In Motion will rocket Aki Rissanen’s profile to even greater heights.
Greg Foat & James Thorpe – Photosynthesis
After four collaborative albums in three years with Warren Hampshire, the prolific Greg Foat links up with James Thrope. The new LP titled Photosynthesis was recorded in the old Bees Studio on the Isle of Wight earlier this year. The feel of the album is atmospheric, and the electronic adventurers have created a celestial piece of work. Listen to the peaceful ‘Elementary Physiology, Pt. 1 and 2’ as well as ‘Living The Dream’. Elsewhere ‘Platform Game’ and ‘Grockle Box’ up the tempo a little with their vibrant textures while still remaining relaxing. Hopefully, the pair will return shortly with another set of gems. Highly recommended.
