It’s Friday, which means it’s time for a new Between The Cracks, so once again, we select eight releases for your musical enjoyment. We’ll give you a brief overview of each release, so you can decide which ones you want to check out. Tune in below to hear our picks, and if you like what you hear, click the links and as it’s Bandcamp Friday your money will go directly into the pockets of artists and labels.
Naima – This Must Be The Place
Here’s a sumptuous release I discovered a few weeks ago from Naima. The elusive artist exquisitely builds nine compositions around a saxophone and synthesiser with a light sprinkling of a guitar. On This Must Be The Place, you’ll hear textured, atmospheric landscapes created through rich production, immersive instrumentation and meticulous attention to detail. There’s something different about each of these songs, so stream below and pick your favourite below. You can download it from Bandcamp for a name your price. What’s not to love? Thanks to The Slow Music Movement for putting us on to this beauty.
Isach Skeidsvoll – Dance To Summon
Isach Skeidsvoll, a Norwegian pianist, makes an impressive debut showcasing his fantastic piano skills that have wowed fans in Norway and beyond. Accompanied by his talented brothers in the horn section, this seven-piece ensemble offers a dynamic musical experience featuring the pianist’s original compositions. Across five tracks Skeidsvoll and his band blend spiritual Jazz and free-form elements complemented by a tonal and groovy foundation – a sublime record.
Tõnu Naissoo – Shapes and Colours
You will love this funky synthesised jazz with mood and feeling from the Estonian composer and keyboard veteran Tõnu Naissoo! The album features Finnish musicians supporting him, such as Aleksi Heinola on drums, Temu Åkerblom on bass, and Markus Holkko on reeds and flute. Shapes and Colours was recorded and produced at Jazzaggression’s own Pelto studio!
Pelto Studio Group – Waves of Sound
Another cracking album released on Jazzaggression! This time they present Pelto Studio Group’s “Waves of Sound” album. A small combo beat-laden jazz experimentations, drawing influences across the rare groove spectre in this unique funky mashup!
Voice Actor – Fake Sleep
The ‘Sent From My Telephone’ album debuted on the Belgian label Stroom in 2022. Get this; it was an enormous undertaking with an epic 110 tracks and four-and-a-half hours. Talk about a musical marathon! Voice Actor the enigmatic duo of Levi Lanser and Noa Kurzweil, embarked on a unique artistic endeavour with the initial idea of making it a radio show. Their otherworldly creation combined hypnagogic sound collage, spoken word, and ambient music. Although, the truth is that their work defies categorisation altogether. This project, called ‘Fake Sleep,’ is a carefully condensed and refined version of their debut. Get ready to immerse yourself in a delightful listening experience with the duo’s collection of sixteen tracks. And guess what? Three of these tracks are brand new, so you’re in for a special treat!
Compilations
The NID Tapes: Electronic Music From India 1969-1972
Discover the mesmerising world of The NID Tapes, an extraordinary compilation of early Indian electronic music sourced from the National Institute of Design (NID) archives in Ahmedabad, India. Curated by artist and electronic musician Paul Purgas delve into the treasure trove of hidden gems by Gita Sarabhai, I.S. Mathur, Atul Desai, S.C. Shama and Jinraj Joshipura that offer a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of Indian electronic music. It’s an extraordinary collection of unheard works. The NID Tapes are an essential addition to your collection.
EP’s
Aphex Twin – Blackbox Life Recorder 21f / in a room7 F760
Returning with his first new EP in five years, Richard D. James, aka Aphex Twin, continues to blow our minds. As expected, Blackbox Life Recorder 21f / in a room7 F760 is another brilliant but short snapshot of the elusive artist – press play below and see for yourself!
Rosie Turton – Wandering Wondering
It’s been a while since we last heard from Rosie Turton, but a few weeks back, the London trombonist broke the silence with her stunning new EP. Just as spectacular as its predecessor, with its dreamy and otherworldly soundscapes, Turton leads us into utter bliss. Press play below and bask in the rich, glorious sounds of Wandering Wondering.
