Another week, another essential edition of Between The Cracks, filled to the brim with must-hear releases. We’ve rounded up some of our favourite EPs, albums, singles, compilations and reissues that have recently caught our ears. In our customary fashion, we continue our journey through the musical cosmos, embracing a multitude of styles, including ambient, jazz, dub, electronic, soul, hip hop and further beyond. Of course, supporting the artists and labels you love is essential. If you find a release that resonates with you, why not extend your love by purchasing in digital or physical format?
Albums
Goran Kajfeš Tropiques – Tell Us
Goran Kajfes Tropiques’ “Tell Us” is a mesmerizing odyssey that redefines the boundaries of jazz. Drawing from diverse musical backgrounds, this Swedish quartet weaves a tapestry of minimalism, psychedelia, and “hypno-jazz” across three expansive compositions. The album’s meditative pace allows each note to blossom, revealing staggering beauty in simplicity. Echoes of Alice Coltrane and Pharoah Sanders guide the journey as the ensemble navigates between jazz roots and avant-garde exploration. “Unity In Diversity” encapsulates the album’s ethos, while “Magmatique” and “Prije i posle” further distil its essence. “Tell Us” demands engagement, more than background music, rewarding patience with transcendence. Goran Kajfes Tropiques has crafted a sonic universe that challenges and soothes, inviting listeners to explore one slow, deliberate step at a time.
Olli Ahvenlahti – Mirror Mirror
Olli Ahvenlahti’s “Mirror Mirror” is a triumph, proving the 75-year-old Finnish jazz maestro is as innovative as ever. Ahvenlahti masterfully balances classic and contemporary, reviving the enchanting allure of his ’70s work while pushing boldly into the future. Backed by Finland’s top jazz talent, he traverses a vibrant jazz and blues spectrum, from hard-edged funk grooves on “Paint It Blue” to graceful, reflective melodies. Ahvenlahti’s Fender Rhodes envelops the album in nostalgic warmth and fresh colours. The tranquil closing tracks contemplate his storied career with serene honesty. “Mirror Mirror” showcases Ahvenlahti’s mastery as a composer and influencer, cementing his legacy. It’s essential listening for anyone who appreciates jazz’s timeless dialogue between old and new. Ahvenlahti has crafted a lush, forward-thinking soundscape that enhances an already legendary career.
spëcht – Triptyques
spëcht, the dynamic Belgian percussion trio, creates a unique, hypnotic sound that sounds largely improvised. It’s akin to the sneakiness of a fox and the relentless rhythm of ticking clocks. The trio creatively weave together a multitude of genres, transitioning fluidly from ambient to world music. To spice things up, they add a pinch of electronic effects, all part of their perpetual journey of musical experimentation. This intricate sound journey may seem puzzling, but it is incredibly captivating nonetheless. Should you find yourself stuck in a music rut, brimming with ideas , this will certainly jolt you back into the vibrant world of bold experimentation.
Monsieur MÂLÂ – Monsieur MÂLÂ
Monsieur MÂLÂ’s self-titled debut is a daring sonic odyssey through the streets of Paris. This fusion quintet fearlessly blends jazz, soul, funk, and global influences into a wholly original sound. Tracks like the dynamic “Storyteller” and intricate “Carnaval” showcase the band’s knack for weaving complex rhythms and melodies into accessible yet sophisticated tunes. Robin Antunes’ electric mandolin and Swaéli Mbappé’s agile bass anchor the album’s organic production. Guest vocals from Anna Kova and EU.CLIDES add soulful texture. From contemplative moments to celebratory romps, Monsieur MÂLÂ’s versatility and musicianship impress throughout. Brimming with vibrant energy and fresh ideas, this ambitious debut heralds an exciting new world-fusion voice. Monsieur MÂLÂ has crafted an authentic musical portrait of modern Paris – one not to be missed.
Michelle Moeller – Late Morning
Oakland-based composer and performer Michelle Moeller’s debut record is “Late Morning,” which the artist describes as “an affectionate homage to slow movers and late bloomers.” Her musicality stems from her classical piano training, but she has always felt an attraction to ethereal digital sound. These two factors led to her approach to making music for this record. ‘Late Morning’ features an interplay of composition and improvisation, showcasing a delicate balance between structure and spontaneity. Songs such as ‘Corridor’ and ‘Crimson’ are great examples. Electronics, neoclassical, ambient and jazz music combine in ‘Late Morning’ to make it a wonderful gathering for adventurous listeners.
Lazy H – Music For Modular
The latest album from Lazy H breathes new life into electronic music by giving it the human touch. Music For Modular showcases the innovative fusion of modern instruments like sequencers and modular synths into the realm of freewheeling improvised culture. Not one to be pinned down to any genre, his newest transmission explores a range of sounds and vibes, from Latin jazz to dub, glitch and bass music, even delving into some unconventional rhythmic patterns. You’re in for a delightful surprise with this vibrant and unique blend of musical styles! Its refreshing and interesting mix is seamlessly wrapped in an eye-catching cover. It’s a treat you don’t want to miss – go ahead and check it for yourself!
Reissues
Gino Marinacci – Atom Flower’s
Right Tempo brings you an extremely rare gem: the first-ever reissue of a cult record by Gino Marinacci, a leading figure in Italian jazz and cinematic music. This hard-to-find gem now has another chance to shine in the limelight it so rightly deserves. The Marinacci family, boasting three generations of musicians, supervised remastering this work from the original master tapes. Italian TV star Renzo Arbore plus Franco Marinacci, Carlo Fabbri, and Max De Giovanni have provided comprehensive liner notes.
Compilations
Discomoda Salsa de Venezuela 1964-1977 – V/A
Olindo Records and Música Infinita have compiled an essential collection titled “Discomoda Salsa de Venezuela 1964-1977.” This hip shaking release showcases some of the most sizzling salsa tracks that Discomoda, a pioneering Venezuelan record label, had to offer. The compilation, masterfully put together by Miguel Colmenares, co-founder of Olindo, gathers a number of Venezuela’s most influential artists from the 1960s and 1970s. This includes notable names like Ray Perez’ Los Kenya, Los Satélites, and Los Megatones de Lucho. All killer, no filler.
