We are constantly searching for musical treasures that we adore and want to share with you. Our team has selected a few new favourites so that you can discover fresh releases to add to your collection. As always, enjoy the music, hit BUY/SHARE, and help support artists and labels.
Albums
Pidgins – Refrains of the Day, Volume 1
Vocalist and electroacoustician Aaron With uses a massive sound vocabulary of sampled rare and historical instruments, richly tuned in just and microtonal intonations. He pairs these with nature sounds from foley and field recordings. Meanwhile, percussionist Milo Tamez impressively commands an array of traditional hand and talking drums but also integrates gongs and various small percussion — wood slit drums, guiro, flexatone, rattles, and chimes. The result is a hypnotic and surreal experience of fourth-world art rock that fans of Jon Hassell, Laurie Anderson, Horse Lords, and Valentina Magaletti will love.
Markus Floats – Fourth Album
With ‘Fourth Album’, Montreal-based musician Markus Floats continues to title his records literally. Like its predecessor, it’s a stunning avant-garde abstract electronic music offering. However, unlike “Third Album”, it’s more edgy and gritty, with local improv group Egyptian Cotton Arkestra adding violin, saxophone, mbira, guitar and drums to his electronic textures. From Floats comes another gem that’s different from what came before.
Akusmi – Lines
London-based composer, multi-instrumentalist, and producer Akusmi has just dropped his latest work, ‘Lines’. This release bridges his first album, ‘Fleeting Future’ and his highly anticipated upcoming album. Lovely, unwinding compositions that sway from jazz to classical, ambient and fourth world. It’s definitely an album you need to spend some time with.
corto.alto – Bad With Names
Corto.Alto’s debut album, Bad With Names, is a genre-bending exploration of electronic textures and jazz-infused songwriting. Multi-instrumentalist Liam Shortall, the creative force behind the project, draws from a diverse palette of influences to craft a unique sonic world. From the melancholy strings of the intro to the vibrant pulse of ‘Mechanisms’, Shortall seamlessly fuses electronic production with organic instrumentation. His dexterous playing provides an improvisational jazz foundation. However, the album only stays in one place briefly, with Shortall guiding the listener through uptempo hip-hop grooves, chilled-out downbeat soundscapes, and cinematic interludes. While the styles morph and evolve, Shortall’s virtuosic musicianship and gift for melody anchor the set. With Bad With Names, Corto.Alto establishes himself as an innovative voice, unafraid to disregard genres and expectations.
Diepkloof United Voice – Harmonizing Soweto: Golden City Gospel & Kasi Soul from the new South Africa
The debut album from Diepkloof United Voice showcases the harmonious blend of gospel and kasi soul birthed in Soweto. This nine-member group unites their love of inspirational music with clever arrangements and emotional lyrics. Songs like the mournful yet uplifting “Too Late for Mama” demonstrate their rich vocal harmonies. “Baninzi” picks up the tempo with infectious kasi soul rhythms and tight harmonies. The title track, “Harmonizing Soweto”, stands out, fusing gospel and soul with a cappella breakdowns. While rooted in gospel, contemporary R&B flavours emerge on songs like “Sipo” and “Normalizo”, revealing the group’s versatility. The simple production rightly spotlights the stellar vocal performances. Diepkloof United Voice pays respectful homage to gospel and township traditions on their impressive debut while crafting a fresh sound that will appeal to fans of South African popular music.
Speaker Music – Techxodus
Afrofuturist transmissions from writer, producer and activist DeForrest Brown Jr. AKA Speaker Music. ‘Techxodus’ came to life through the artist’s meticulously curated collection of live recordings. Brown Jr carefully revisited these raw creations in the studio, undergoing meticulous editing and refinement. This work delves deep into the fascinating realm of Drexciyan mythology, drawing inspiration from Detroit’s influential Underground Resistance. It brilliantly explores the intertwining themes of African-American music, technology, resistance, and sonic warfare. Speaker Music has created another musical masterpiece that pushes the boundaries of sound and consciousness, guiding you on a cosmic journey. Don’t miss your chance to join the celestial dance that awaits!
Compilations
Future Sounds Of Kraut Vol. 1 – Compiled by Fred und Luna – VA
Compost Records presents a deep dive into the modern Krautrock compiled by Fred and Luna. “Future Sounds Of Kraut Vol. 1” takes you worldwide with artists from Germany, Greece, France, Brazil, and beyond. Groundbreaking bands such as Kraftwerk, CAN, Neu, have undoubtedly left a lasting influence on music.
EPs
Tara Clerkin Trio – On The Turning Ground
Tara Clerkin Trio’s latest release “On The Turning Ground” captivates with its genre-bending fusion of jazz, pop, and electronic music. Though only 5 tracks, the EP packs a powerful emotional punch. The slow grooving opener “Brigstow” evokes melancholy nostalgia, while the poetic anxieties of “World In Delay” with its dubby soundbed is absolutely wonderful. The infectious pop melodies of “Marble Walls” cleverly incorporate avant-garde key changes, while the vibrant title track takes the tempo up a notch. Closing track “Once Around” floats back into consciousness, bookending the cyclical journey. With its nostalgic yet futuristic feel, this is a rewarding and creative release from a band unwilling to sit still in one genre. The Tara Clerkin Trio have crafted a thrilling statement – one eagerly awaits where their journey will take them next.
