Happy Friday, everyone! I hope you had an amazing week listening to lots of wonderful music. We bring you a selection of recently released albums, compilations, reissues, etc, every Friday. Take a look at our selection and see if there’s anything that catches your ear. We’ve got something for everyone, from downtempo fusion sounds to improvised jazz. Enjoy the music, and have a great weekend!
Albums
Ash Walker – Astronaut
With each album, Ash Walker continues to evolve as an artist, pushing the boundaries of his creativity. His fourth album ‘Astronaut’ demonstrates a mature and refined approach to his craft, showcasing his growth as a musician and producer. The album’s depth and complexity reveal Walker’s willingness to experiment and innovate, with tracks delving into jazz, blues, funk and reggae. Guest artists include Ebi Soda, Andrew Ashong, Yazz Ahmed and Joe Armon-Jones.
Moriah Plaza – Moriah Plaza
Moriah Plaza’s debut album is a captivating musical journey that effortlessly blends Brazilian soul, psych, bossa and jazz, reimagined in Berlin via the Dead Sea. Right from the opening track, ‘Desendereçada’, the quartet sets the tone for the album, quirky yet deliciously filled with ear-catching hooks. Each song on the album showcases the quartet’s versatility and ability to create diverse sounds. The album is an innovative and bold experiment that pays off, and it is a must-listen for anyone who loves Brazilian music and jazz.
LILAMORS – When I Am Dead, My Dearest
LILAMORS, a talented trio hailing from Basel and Berlin, push traditional genre classifications with their debut album. This 10-track electro-acoustic genre-bending project is a testament to their unique creativity and sonic prowess. Combining classic poetry with original lyrics and spoken word with elements from various genres, LILAMORS have created a truly captivating and boundary-pushing musical experience. ‘When I Am Dead, My Dearest’ is a stunning debut and a promising indication of the exciting musical journey ahead for the trio.
Mong Tong – Tao Fire 道火
Mong Tong, Taiwan brothers Hom Yu and Jiun Chi take listeners on an unforgettable musical journey with their second album. Tao Fire 道火 brings together gamelan music, phin guitar, tabla drums, and Taiwan sisomi fused with samples from across Austronesia, including weddings, funerals, and traditional celebrations. Explore the subtropical psychedelic folk sound of Mong Tong’s second album – it’s a must-listen.
V/Z – Suono Assente
The mighty Valentina Magaletti joins forces with musician and producer Zongamin for an album influenced by dub and post-punk that features Vanishing Twin’s Cathy Lucas, Coby Sey and Venus Ex Machina. It’s time to throw out an old cliché: V/Z’s Suono Assente is all killer, no filler.
JIM – Love Makes Magic
This is an outstanding release on Damian Harris’ new Vicious Charm Recordings label. Oozing folk goodness, sun-kissed Balearic vibes and easy-going AOR energy, this album from JIM is an uplifting and dreamy journey through a sonic paradise. If you’re looking for the perfect soundtrack to watch the sunset or for a cosy night with a few friends and your favourite tipple, Love Makes Magic should fit the bill. A record made to be shared and enjoyed in peace. Press play for an escape from the world’s worries for a while.
Reissues
Ayako Shinozaki – Music Now For Harp
Great work, as usual, from Wewantsounds, who recently unveiled the first international reissue of Japanese harpist Ayako Shinozaki’s sought-after 1974 LP Music Now For Harp. Immersed in the works of composers Toru Takemitsu and Katsuhiro Tsubono, this extraordinary 3-track album also showcases the legendary underground musician Takehisa Kosugi, on the mesmerising and ethereal 25-minute ambient masterpiece, ‘Heterodyne’. A wonderful listen.
EP’s
Fuensanta – Principio del Fuego
Principio del Fuego is Fuensanta’s highly anticipated debut studio EP. Released last month, this EP marks an exciting new chapter in her musical journey. Featuring a collection of captivating tracks, Principio del Fuego takes listeners on a sonic exploration. From the opening notes to the closing melodies, each song is crafted with care and attention to detail. Fuensanta’s distinctive voice shines throughout the EP, delivering emotive and evocative performances that leave a lasting impression. Lovely stuff.
