With so much good music coming through thick and fast, it’s easy for albums to drop online and go overlooked. No lengthy write-ups as who reads those anyway? We keep it short and to the point because you’re here to listen to the music! Check out our weekly mini-guide below and if you like what you hear, click the links and support the artists.
Salami Rose Joe Louis – Chapters of Zdenka
Get reacquainted with Salami Rose Joe Louis, and her eclectic bundle of sleepy jams in the form of ‘Chapters of Zdenka’. The new LP features a collection of songs Salami wrote around the same time she worked on her recent album ‘Zdenka 2080’ album. Clocking in 45 minutes with the majority of the songs just lover two minutes long she doesn’t waste a second packing multilayered audio goodness into 20 vignettes that captivate the listener with ethereal soundscapes and hypnotic vocal performances. Essential.
R.A.P. Ferreira – bob’s son: R.A.P. Ferreira in the garden level cafe of the scallops hotel
R.A.P Ferreira needs of no introductions here? All the things that made us love his last offering are present on his latest opus. Across twelve tracks he lays out his tribute to the performance artist and beat poet Bob Kaufman with a carefully balanced blend of intricate rhymes and meditative beats. He does what he does very well and looks like 2021 just got its first essential new album. Pretty sure this will delight all existing fans and garner him some new ones as well!
Scrapbook Mixtape – Vol. 01: Refuge
Essential new release of musicians and artist bubbling up in London curated by And Is Phi and Naima Adams. Vol. 01: Refuge, is a new collaborative project that started early last year and dropped its first mixtape at the end of 2020. From harpist Marysia Osu and multi-disciplinary creative Queen Cleopatra’s ambient spoken word debut to scintillating violin melodies from Täpp Collective’s Rebekah Reid, all the way through to newcomer George Tatenda’s silky vocals and minimal production, Vol. 01: Refuge is as eclectic as it is kaleidoscopic. The majority of these artists are new names to me, and I’m looking forward to hearing more from all of them in the very near future. I strongly recommend this mixtape, it’s ridiculously good.
Blameful Isles – Opera Omnia
Swedish producer and songwriter Blameful Isles latest album is a collection of sophisticated, multilayered cinematic numbers that follows up its predecessor with the same intent, it’s an extension to the beautiful spiritual ground that Chimerical laid out. The album is deeply atmospheric and brilliantly incorporates elements from all kinds of genres, to form the perfect late-night listening experience – another excellent release from the ever-reliable Urban Waves Records. Also, make sure you check out Bry.Zen and Jesse Koolhaas & Myrthe van de Weetering albums.
Sami El-Enany & Dampé – Opix
Opix, the debut album from collaborative duo Sami El-Enany & Dampé somehow went under the radar when it was released early last month. Entirely composed and produced during lockdown, the music you hear on Opix was made in two home studios with skyped-in recording sessions. A beautifully crafted and masterfully produced album spanning deep alternative electronica, modern classical and concrète ambiance. The LP features a guest vocal performance from Orlando Weeks, as well as contributions from jazz drummer Luca Caruso, double bassist Nina Harries, and trumpeter Wilfred Petherbridge. Tip!
EP’s
Laura Groves – A Private Road
West Yorkshire singer-songwriter Laura Groves, has gifted us with her best work to date. On her fifth EP, Groves takes the listener on a journey through her adopted home of London, inspired by her life’s experiences. The six tracks beautifully incorporate the best elements of pop with all kinds of other genres topped off by her impeccable songwriting and dreamy tones. Highlights are the brilliant lead single ‘Infinite Wisdom’, ‘Foolish Game’, and ’Sunset’. If there’s one record you listen to today, make it this one.
Singles
Sven Wunder – Snowdrops/ Stellar Petals
Sven Wander recently shared two mesmerising tracks in ‘Snowdrops’ and ‘Stellar Petals’. Below you can stream the beautiful and fragile ‘Snowdrops’, which features a haunting and minimalist piano soundscape plus waves of orchestra flourishes which gradually intensify over time. This is perfect the soundtrack during these cold winter months.
Ana Frango Elétrico – Mulher Homem Bicho
Funky and undoubtedly full of energy, the new track from Brazilian singer, guitarist, composer and producer Ana Frango Elétrico is absolute bliss! Titled ‘Mulher Homem Bicho’, the song’s upbeat instrumentation serves as the backdrop to her breezy vocals. It’s a delicious outing which combines swinging bossa, cool jazz and laidback pop that’s easy on the ear and will make you want to throw some shapes.
Also try these out…
Karima Walker – Waking the Dreaming Body
Ghost Dog – Original Motion Picture Score – Deluxe Edition Vinyl
