Here’s our latest Between The Cracks selection to end the week. It’s a wonderfully diverse mix of music featuring releases from Cowboy Sadness, Shackelton, Guerrinha, Mary Halvorson and more. So, without further ado, grab your headphones, sit back and enjoy the music. It’s Bandcamp Friday! That means no fees and all proceeds go directly to the artists. It’s the great way and great day to support the artists and labels directly and allow them to keep doing what they do!
Albums
Cowboy Sadness – Selected Jambient Works Vol. 1
Paying homage to the revered 1992 album by Richard D. James in its title, this distinctive and expansive first offering from Cowboy Sadness – a fresh collaboration between The Antlers, Bing & Ruth, & Port St. Willow – captures the boundless and rugged ambience of a desert perfectly. But let’s be clear: the title is where similarities to the classic album end. Dive in, and let’s let the music do the talking!
Shackelton – The Scandal of Time
A new Shackleton album is always worth investigating. Shackleton has gradually been stepping away from the dancefloor for the past ten or so years. During this time, he’s been delving into different tuning systems, contemporary classical music, and rhythms from outside the Western world. “The Scandal of Time” is another bold step ahead for the ever-adventurous artists who are always willing to try something new. It beautifully blends ethereal, traditional German folk songs with deep basslines that pull at your heartstrings, unique xenharmonic percussion, and ever-expanding drones. It seems this could be his final solo project for some time, so soak it all in with joy!
Guerrinha – Exposi​ç​ã​o Popular
Looking for something a little different? Spain’s fantastic 2 Headed Deer label gifts us this intriguing album by Rio de Janeiro-based producer and composer Guerrinha. Imagine the magical sounds of 1980s new wave and fusion jazz taking a spin around in a playful sonic orbit. Picture a treasure from ECM that got lost, only to be layered with a low-fi flair of mystical exotica. Guess what? There’s no need for you to imagine it because that’s what Guerrinha created in Exposi​ç​ã​o Popular. Close your eyes and let your mind wander into the sonic universe of Guerrinha’s music.
Madhuvanti Pal – The Holy Mother (Plays The Rudra Veena)
The Rudra Veena, an ancient Indian string instrument with mythological origins, finds an intriguing modern voice in Madhuvanti Pal’s new double album, The Holy Mother. As one of few women breaking barriers to play this difficult and little-recorded zither, Pal explores traditional ragas across 90 mesmerising minutes. Weaving drones and rhythmic plucking into hypnotic textures, she coaxes the 20-stringed Veena into uncharted sonic spaces. Standouts like the 23-minute “Todi” showcase her rhythmic dexterity and gift for modal improvisation. Balancing respect for history with bold innovation, Pal makes a compelling case that the Rudra Veena still has much to say. Her ambitious debut plants the seeds for a new generation of Veena virtuosos.
Mary Halvorson – Cloudward
Halvorson’s latest release, “Cloudward,” marks a new high point for the avant-garde guitarist and composer. She leads an all-star ensemble through eight immersive tracks, crafting a dreamlike yet grounded soundscape. There’s a cohesive arc to the album; it begins in a hazy, mysterious space with “The Gate” before venturing into more turbulent territory with “The Tower” and “Collapsing Mouth.” The playing is superb throughout, especially from Halvorson herself—her solos cascade with chromaticism and surprising intervals. Compositionally, this feels like her strongest statement yet. Songs like “Desiderata” and “Ultramarine” have a cinematic sweep. Fans of left-field jazz need to hear “Cloudward”; it places Halvorson in the top tier of composer-guitarists today.
Compilations
Future Bubblers 7.0 – V/A
The brilliant Giles Peterson-backed Future Bubblers compilation series returns with its seventh edition! This incredible platform supports unsigned, fresh talent and draws in discerning listeners who have an ear for new, eclectic music. It features tracks from Michael Diamond, Landel, Petrelli Purple, Marysia Osu, and more.
EP’s
K15 – Pulse / Dawn
Kieron Ifill, aka K15, is back, exciting us once more! This time, it’s a joint effort between his label, Esencia, and Mother Tongue. We get to enjoy his iconic, heartwarming piano melodies on one side while he surprises us with a jazzier tune under his Culross Close alias on the flip side. It’s safe to say this latest gem adds to the already incredible collection of Ifill’s classics! Grooves, hooks and vibes for days.
Singles
Nubya Garcia – Fortify
Nubya Garcia has some mad sax skills, and her enviable talents are on full display in this stop-gap single. We can only hope there is more new music incoming from Garcia.
