The end of the week is here, and we’re sharing a new batch of carefully selected releases that’ll take you on a musical journey across genres and styles. This week we delve into an enticing blend of Latinfuturism world music, ambient pop, folk rock, modern ambient creations and more. If the music moves you, don’t hesitate to hit the BUY or SHARE button. Support and appreciation of the arts is always a worthwhile endeavour!
Albums
ZÖJ – FIL O FENJOON
ZÖJ’s debut album “FIL O FENJOON” is an enticing blend of experimental, world, and folk with Persian flavours that defies categorisation. Gelareh Pour’s emotive kamancheh and Brian O’Dwyer’s minimalist drums create dreamy, intricate soundscapes. The layered vocals and enveloping ambience transport the listener. The lyrics, drawing from various Persian poets, add depth and heart. Tracks like “Study of a Bull” showcase the duo’s talent for fusing diverse elements into something novel. Rather than a mere collection of songs, the album feels like an immersive sonic journey, with each listener interpreting the poetic storytelling in their own way. An exceptional, boundary-pushing work, “FIL O FENJOON” rewards with its multitude of textures. This voyage into new sonic territory is a must-listen for those seeking innovative fusions of tradition and modernity. ZÖJ has crafted an album that uses music as a universal language to connect us to the human experience.
Montañera – A Flor de Piel
Montaera’s new album “A Flor de Piel” is an innovative fusion of Colombian and Senegalese traditions, ambient textures, and experimental production that transcends genre. The title track envelops the listener in a lush sonic landscape, reflecting the album’s themes of vulnerability and self-discovery. Drawing from diverse inspirations, Montaera creates a unique blend of sounds – “Santa Mar” incorporates Afro-Colombian marimba and vocals, while “Como Una Rama” fuses bullerengue rhythms with her powerful voice. The meditative “Cruzar” concludes the album with strength and resolution. Recontextualising traditional acoustic elements with modern synthesised sounds, “A Flor de Piel” embodies Montaera’s personal journey through a strange new place. Each track exudes emotional depth, making this an intimate, thought-provoking album that sounds unlike anything else out there. For those seeking something groundbreaking yet poignant, this is a must-listen.
El Búho – Strata
El Búho’s latest album, Strata, is a deeply personal and emotive fusion of traditional Latin American sounds and electronic textures that reflects the bittersweet duality of modern life. After over a decade of honing his signature blend of folkloric rhythms and electronic beats, the Colombian producer’s songwriting has reached new heights of vulnerability and resonance. Lush tracks like “Floating Islands” and the melancholy “Cenizas de Agua” exude a dreamlike melancholy, while the sunny “Gentle Breeze” evokes carefree afternoons with loved ones. Mystical collaborations with Bomba Estéreo’s Li Saumet (“Brujería”) and a touching tribute to his newborn son (“Timini”) further showcase El Búho’s versatility. Later tracks like “Piañuco” fuse the hypnotic rhythms of amapiano music with huayno folk melodies, culminating in the communal celebration of “Ley de Origen.” Carefully weaving together a diverse palette of sounds, Strata captures the intense layers of emotion that come with simply being alive today. It’s a profound work that stirs the soul, reflecting life’s duality through moments of sorrow and joy. Strata is an album not to be missed for those seeking deeply resonant music.
Romance – Fade Into You
This debut release from Romance is a nostalgic, melancholic dreamscape of ambient pop. Though their signature vintage-inspired sound remains, this album marks an evolution with its deeply emotive songwriting. From the first track, the hazy production and vulnerable vocals transport listeners into a bittersweet world tinged with unfulfilled longing. The hypnotic vocal samples give it a strong emotional tone paired with atmospheric instrumentals to craft an intimate listening experience reminiscent of reading a confessional letter. Ultimately, “Fade Into You” is a sensorial journey, making this a must album for anyone seeking a sincere, nostalgic musical escape.
Sam Wilkes – Driving
Sam Wilkes’ “Driving” is an innovative twist on folk rock that offers listeners an immersive experience through its experimental sounds and thoughtful lyrics. Released on Wilkes’ label, the album showcases his artistic sensibilities with a balanced blend of virtuosity and songwriting craft. The nostalgic opener, “Folk Home”, sets the tone before the standout track “Ag” is pure earworm. “Own” encapsulates the album’s themes of understanding life amidst overthinking. Connected by mesmerising guitar work, “Again Again” and “And Again” form a musical diptych reflecting this inner struggle. The raw, melancholy finale “Driving” recounts a tale of adolescent regret. Ultimately, Wilkes has crafted more than just an album – “Driving” is his sincere exploration of finding balance in life’s chaos, told through evocative folk rock. This is a must-listen for lovers of the genre and songwriting artistry alike.
Compilations
10 – Various Artists (Music From Memory)
Celebrating ten booming years of exceptional releases, Amsterdam’s Music From Memory has compiled a collection of seventeen brilliant tracks from their talented musical line-up! This curated assortment smoothly transitions from hidden treasures to modern ambient creations. This compilation features tracks from artists like Jonny Nash, The Zenmenn, Gigi Masin, Ramzi, Michal Turtle, Vito Ricci, Suso Saiz, and others. It’s genuinely heartbreaking to mention that Jamie Tiller, the co-founder of the label, tragically passed away before the completion of the project. Rest in peace, Jamie.
Reissues
Dorothy Carter – Waillee Waillee
This is the first time I have encountered this folk/psych/drone masterpiece by Dorothy Carter. In 1978, Carter traversed various unusual string instruments, including the zither, hurdy-gurdy and hammered dulcimer. Her skilled playing seamlessly weaves between the deep, resonating hums of Bob Rutman’s steel cello played with a bow. It might be nearly 50 years old, but it still sounds great.
EP’s
Ronja – For Annette
Ronja pours her heart and soul into For Annette, a beautiful and haunting EP. For Annette, is a meditative affair as Ronja layers her hushed tones with up-close acoustic guitar, multi-layered flute arrangements, delicate double bass and electronics to create gorgeous cascades of sound. Enjoy a soothing, contemplative Friday night soundtrack with this fantastic EP.
