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
Sarah Williams White – Unfathomable
It’s impossible not to be captivated by Sarah Williams White’s voice. Your senses are left spellbound by its captivating aura, swimming in richness and tenderness that aches with beauty. White returns with the impeccably crafted new album ‘Unfathomable’ after a six-year hiatus. You won’t want to miss this beautifully written and performed collection.
Modern Nature – Island of Noise
Modern Nature, the trio led by Jack Cooper, returns with a quality new album. ‘Island Of Noise’ results from a project that combines writing, music and art. The band designs soundscapes that titillate between free-jazz and folk-rock throughout the ten tracks with groovy guitars, pulsating drums, touches of sax, hints of violin and Cooper’s flawless voice. One to add to the end of the year lists. Fans of David Sylvian, Bert Jansch and Mark Hollis feast your ears on this masterpiece.
Ann Eysermans – For Trainspotters Only
On her debut LP, Belgian based multi-instrumentalist Ann Eysermans explores the possibilities of the train as a musical instrument. Eysermans has been fascinated with trains since she was a young child, ever since she climbed on board the train helm station during a trip from Antwerp to Ostend. Across the album, you’ll hear diesel locomotives, microscopic hissing vibrations of steam engines, and time announcements entwined with fragile harp playing and delayed organ harmonies.
Dina Ögon – Dina Ögon
Here’s one that we missed when it dropped back in October last year. The self-titled debut album by Dina Ögon is just oozing with the kind of r&b, laid back jazz, bossa nova, lounge mixed with heavenly pop grooves that we find hard to resist. Highlights include ‘Tombola 94’, ‘Nirvana’, and ‘Ficktjuven’.
Huda Asfour, Rehab Hazgui, Maurice Louca, Aya Metwalli, Sam Shalabi and Aalam Wassef – Mophradat Songs for Kids, Vol. 1: AFFRATTA
The non-profit organisation Mophradat, dedicated to bringing opportunities to Arab artists, gathers together a cast of talented children’s writers and musicians to create an album of progressive songs for young children. Beautifully sparkling pop songs that move with a light, joyful feel. Music has the right to children.
EP’s
Ada – Moon Rider
If you’re looking for two minimal yet scintillating pop tracks with a killer vocal, then look no further. Both songs are riddled with the singer’s dreamy tones, which glide across the differing soundscapes. Buy on sight and thank me later!
Emilía – Layover
I’ve enjoyed the meditative ambient drone and electro-acoustic soundscape fusion of Emilía for Rottenman Editions the last few nights. I recommend that you put on your headphones and press play.
Compilations
Jacqueline Taïeb – Lolita Chick ‘68
Labelled a “sixties jewel” by Rock & Folk, a “little gem” by La Voix du Nord and a “60s classic” by Juke Box… Lolita Chick is a must, appreciated by all true connoisseurs – no female French rock compilation is complete without her. Jacqueline Taïeb is a comet whose songs come back regularly without a wrinkle, every bit as modern as before.
Various Artist – ELECTRONIC KUMOKO cloudchild
The second compilation in the KUMOKO series that was first released in 2016 is a collection of 22 songs that have been inspired by KUMOKO, an imaginary spirit of the clouds created by SunEye (Akiko & Hashim Bharoocha). It features contributions from Rob Mazurek, Turn On The Sunlight, Carlos Niño & Friends, Money Mark, Jeremiah Chiu and more.
Forthcoming
Nashenas – Flower Had A Thorn
Legendary Afghan singer Nashenas’ 70s recordings, which have not been heard for over 40 years outside of Radio Kabul, are being released for the first time outside of Afghanistan. Essential.
