Hey folks, welcome to your new Between The Cracks featuring ten must-hear releases. As always 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
Imarhan – Aboogi
Imarhan, a Tuareg band of tremendous talent, present their third studio album, ‘Aboogi’. With contributions from Sudanese singer Sulafa Elyas, Tinariwen’s Abdallah Ag Alhousseyni, the late poet Japonais and Gruff Rhys, it’s another superb album from the talented group. Their modern take on the desert blues just gets better and better.
Ka Safar – Ancient Tribal Hearts
An incredible LP of leftfield jazz, a deep, trippy and shifting soundscape influenced by diverse cultures. Seven tracks of uniquely original music from 13-piece world jazz Leicester-based band Ka Safar for 2 Headed Deer. This record might be our next ‘Album Of The Week’. A fascinating listen from start to finish.
The Diasonics – Origin of Forms
‘Origin of Forms’ is the vibrant debut album by Moscow-based funk band The Diasonics, combining cinematic funk, instrumental hip-hop, and Soviet psychedelia. Killer album.
Daniel Carter, Tobias Wilner, Djibril Toure, Federico Ughi – New York United, Volume 2
Brilliant LP from the American quartet, drawing on their rich avant-garde jazz heritage and electronic music production. The lineup features the hot quartet of Daniel Carter, Tobias Wilner, Djibril Toure, Federico Ughi, so high-quality musicianship is a given. Essential.
Robert Stillman – What Does It Mean to Be American?
Robert Stillman plays multiple instruments on his new album and fuses jazz, drone, funk, blues, psychedelia, and chamber music. With so many genres in the melting pot, it’s not always easy to listen to, but it is fascinating. Additionally, Stillman’s 2017 cassette-only album, Portals, which consists of minimal electric piano improvisations, has just been remastered and released on vinyl for the first time.
EP’s
Emma-Jean Thackray – Yellower Vol.1
Multi-instrumentalist Emma-Jean Thackray has released a new live EP, Yellower Vol.1, via her Movementt label. The three songs were recorded at Pitchfork London, Later… with Jools Holland, and The Church Studios.
Common Saints – Starchild
Common Saints return with their second, EP release, ‘Starchild’. Five incredibly catchy psychedelic soul numbers laced with an added air of pop sensibility make this one an absolute winner. We have some exciting music on this release, from the vibrant Fastlane to epic closer The Mystery.
Compilations
Various Artists – Home Vol 1
Outstanding compilation from Warm Records curated by the labels very own, Ali Tillett. Fourteen tracks from a wide range of artists such as Kirk Degiorgio, Richard Norris, Âme, Bobby Lee & Mai Doi Todd, and more. Various nature recordings from sound and field recording artist Gary Moore (Springwatch/Autumnwatch) appear on the album.
Singles
Juanita Euka – Nalingi Mobali Te
Juanita Euka, known for her work with the London Afrobeat Collective, announces her debut solo album with this song. ‘Na Lingi Mobali Te’ fuses Congolese Rumba influences with the sounds of 21st-century London. It follows the ‘Alma Seca’ single as featured in Series 3 of Killing Eve.
The Apples – Song 2 (Oi Vey)
Originally recorded in 2012 and finally released, the Apples’ cover of Blur’s ‘Song 2’ is a psychedelic-party-funk jam. Blow your mind on music! Available on Freestyle Records.
