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.
Albums
Bex Burch & Leafcutter John – Boing!
‘Boing!’ is the remotely created improvised musical conversation between Bex Burch and Leafcutter John. The 7-track album illustrates their experimental leanings as well as their versatility. Tracks such as the pulsing and searching ‘Just Make It’ flow easily, ‘Boing!’ is more expansive and intricate, whereas ‘Out Of Our’ feels frenetic and strange yet somehow familiar. It’s an album that gets better with each play.
ECHT – INWANE
With ideas influenced by electronic music and music production, ECHT mix cosmic jazz, electro, hip-hop, trap, and rap. The quartet draws inspiration from artists like Jonwayne, DJ Rashad, Deantoni Parks, J Dilla, to name a few. ECHT’s debut full length for Sdban Records is daring, indescribable and pretty damn unique.
The Brkn Record – The Architecture of Oppression Part 1
Jake Ferguson of Heliocentrics spearheads The Brkn Record project. On his debut solo LP, The Architecture of Oppression Part 1, he lays out his musical response to racism in London and around the world. Arthur Verocai, Ennio Morricone, and Madlib echo across the album, a brilliant blend of psychedelic soul, classic library, and deep-jazz beat science. A critical journey through the eyes of black Britons, blending sobering narratives with psychedelic and soulful symphonies. Destined for the album of the year lists.
Theon Cross – Intra-I
London-based tuba player Theon Cross’ new album, ‘Intra-I’, has been gathering serious attention with his recent singles. Now it’s finally here; we can rejoice in its embrace of Black music, with its fusion of dub, grime, soca and hip-hop elements into a broad jazz framework.
Vels Trio – Celestial Greens
If you like your jazz on the prog side, look no further than Vels Trio’s debut full-length album. Consisting of Jack Stephenson-Oliver (keyboards), Dougal Taylor (drums) and Cameron Dawson (bass), the trio find harmony in virtuosity on their debut, Celestial Greens, an expansive and funky album. A diverse mix of moods, styles, and surprises within just forty minutes. Do yourself a favour and listen to it right now!
Dos Santos – City of Mirrors
It’s the first in a series of four essential albums from the always on point International Anthem over the next few months. This captivating, borderless collection of sounds from Dos Santos is rooted in their Latinx roots and embraced by contemporary American indie, psychedelia, and soul styles. Likewise, the lyrics, which explore social issues, human struggles and migration, are equally compelling. Please don’t sleep on it!
Orquestra Afro-Brasileira – 80 Anos
This one’s a bit special! The legendary Brazilian group Orquestra Afro-Brasileira recently dropped their first recording in over 50 years. On this album, Yoruba spirituality, eastern folk tales, Candomblé chants, and percussion from indigenous West Africa are woven together with instrumental arrangements evoking big band jazz traditions. Without question, this is essential Brazilian music! Out via Day Dreamer.
Sisonke Xonti – uGaba the Migration
It’s high time we delve into Sisonke Xonti’s second album. With the aid of pianist Yonela Mnana, the saxophonist and bandleader released uGaba The Migration late last year. The album explores themes of identity and belonging within the context of globalism. No more words, just listen.
Carwyn Ellis & Rio 18 – Yn Rio
Carwyn Ellis’s Rio 18 project brings us ‘Yn Rio’, a new collection of tracks from Bendith and Colorama frontman. The album reflects Ellis’ adventures in South America before the lockdown and draws on classic Brazilian influences like Jorge Ben. Recorded with The BBC National Orchestra of Wales in Cardiff, it does so in a classic Brazilian composition style. With all kinds of tropical sounds, ‘Yn Rio is bringing some sunshine to this cold Friday afternoon, so if you are looking for a bit of warmth, look no further…
Compilations
Various – Ritmo FantasÃa: Balearic Spanish Synth​-​Pop, Boogie and House (1982​-​1992) [Compiled by DJ Trujillo]
Another fascinating compilation from Soundway Records featuring twenty-one tracks. This eclectic triple-album spans early bleep and hip house, electro, boogie, Iberian pop, and more, curated by Berlin-based producer and collector DJ Trujillo. Pre-orders are available below, so don’t delay! You can’t afford to miss this!
