Music is an integral part of our lives, but finding the time to discover new sounds can be challenging. That’s why we dedicate ourselves to curating a weekly selection of fresh music releases that may have slipped under your radar. Every Friday, we curate a list of our favourites. We share them with you so that you can find new music that you enjoy and add it to your collection.
Albums
Fay Victor – Blackity Black Black Is Beautiful
Gripping, powerful and evocative new album from Fay Victor. Blackity Black Black Is Beautiful explores Black identity, history, and social issues through music. With track titles like ‘Governorship/Senate (for Stacey Abram)’, you already know it’s a memorable affair. Victor’s artistic vision and her ability to fuse different genres and styles into an exciting and thought-provoking musical journey is beautifully displayed in this album.
Knoel Scott feat. Marshall Allen – Celestial
Prepare to be captivated by an extraordinary collaboration between two iconic artists. This musical journey embodies the essence of jazz freeness and coolness. From the moment you hit play, you can sense that this is a remarkable affair that will leave a lasting impression. Oh, and a big shout out to Night Dreamer, who keeps releasing beautiful musical gifts.
Pan-Afrikan Peoples Arkestra – 60 Years
Conceived by Horace Tapscott in 1961, the Pan Afrikan Peoples Arkestra’s mission has always been “To preserve the music of Black composers, dead or alive.” Both veteran and young members are performing in the Ark today, all led by Mekala Session along with Jamael Dean and veteran members. As radical as ever, the Ark has continued to create original works that reflect the current moment and honour Black composers. Released on The Village, this collection of previously unreleased material is one of the best jazz albums you’ll likely hear all year; highly recommended.
MADMADMAD – Behavioural Sink Delirium
Buckle up! MADMADMAD has unleashed their mind-blowing third album that will (if you’re wearing them) blow your socks off! Immersing themselves in the electrifying energy of their live performances, the trio captured the essence by recording together in one room. The result? An exhilarating fusion of post-punk, disco, and electronic experimentation that will thrill you. Get ready for an absolute madhouse of music that will leave you breathless. Totes Amazeballs!
a.s.o – a.s.o
Here we have the first album from a.s.o., a duo composed of singer/songwriter Alia Seror-O’Neill and producer Lewie Day. Combining elements of trip-hop, leftfield pop and general coolness, the duo’s self-titled album is a shining example of an innovative, eclectic pop record that does not feel constrained by the song format. Easily one of this year’s best late-night soundtracks.
Tarotplane – Murmuration
As Baltimore’s Tarotplane drops his latest work via npm, he lays down some of the most chilled, organic instrumentation I’ve heard in a while mixed lovingly with spacey electronics, hypnotic psychedelia and ambient drones. An evening with Murmuration can soothe your stressed brow after a long day.
EP’s
TAPAN – Inner Voice / High Road
Nebojsa Bogdanovic and Goran Simonoski are always seeking to break free from conventional artistic constraints. After a year of silence, TAPAN returns with two tracks seamlessly blending ancient world sounds with modern technology. The first track finds the duo linking up with North Macedonian vocalist Ognen Zlatanov, while the second cut finds British multi-instrumentalist who Adrian Lever plays the Bulgarian Tambura by infusing worldwide influences into their compositions; they create a unique tapestry of sound that transports listeners to far-off lands while maintaining an unmistakable contemporary edge.
Jay Glass Dubs – DJ HUMBLE EP
Jay Glass Dubs fearlessly taps into the relentless energy and intricate rhythms of jungle and drum n bass to create a truly extraordinary sonic experience. Through his innovative approach, he ventures into uncharted terrains, transcending the boundaries of traditional genres. The EP is a meticulously crafted masterpiece that showcases JGD’s unwavering dedication to pushing the limits of modern electronic music.
