Music is a universe begging to be explored, and we’re dedicated to being your personal navigators. Our eager ears have been working hard, sifting through countless new releases. There’s been a surplus of excellent new music that has captured our attention and has appealed to our varied musical tastes. Check out our weekly mini-guide to the essential releases that need your attention. Happy listening – and don’t forget to hit the links and support the artists.
Albums
Jonny Drop & Andrew Ashong – Puzzle Dust
‘Puzzle Dust’ is a surprise and fateful collaboration between Jonny Drop and Andrew Ashong, who have joined forces to create a must-hear album. Fusing soul and psychedelia with downtempo beats, Ashlong and Drop have subverted our expectations and established a new standard, even for themselves. Drop’s frisky beats meet Ashlong’s immaculate vocal hooks in this album. Two of the UK’s brightest soul artists with unique music styles have created this beat-driven textured soul collage, best exemplified by the opening ‘Lightgeist’, ‘Ephemera’ and the title track.
Audrey Powne – From The Fire
‘From The Fire’ is Melbourne-born Audrey Powne’s splendid debut album. Audrey wrote all the lyrics and played piano and organ on every track. She had worked as a session artist before, but now she embarks on her journey through this album. This soul-jazz album blends classical music and hip-hop and draws inspiration from greats like Roy Hargrove, Bill Evans, and Herbie Hancock. Powne also deals with serious environmental and social messages through aptly written lyrics. This multi-talented artist didn’t stop here; she can be heard playing the trumpet in the dazzling title track. Brilliant album from start to finish.
David Versace – Eye To Eye
Following his 2022 debut Okra, David Versace, the Australian multi-genre keyboardist, composer and producer based in Meanjin, Queensland, returns with ‘Eye to Eye,’ his second LP. Versace grew up in a very musical household; for him, it has always been essential to express himself and embrace all types of music this world offers. That’s why his soundscape ranges from jazz and samba to ambient works and the odd dance-floor heater. This time, he takes a gentler approach, which is palpable by the single ‘With Time’. Versace delves into a serene musical landscape with his collaborators Jasper Gundersen, Curtis Scibilia and Luis Manuel Basulto, who share the same sentiment and philosophy as he does. Absolutely gorgeous album!
Rejoicer – This Is Reasonable
Rejoicer’s “This Is Reasonable” is a stunning journey through lush electronic soundscapes. The Israeli producer and multi-instrumentalist masterfully weaves influences from jazz, hip-hop, downtempo and ambient music. Tracks like “Your Tissue SVP”, “I Think This Is Reasonable”, and “HRTSPC” serve as mesmerising centrepieces, their tranquil beauty belying the album’s thematic reflections on political and social unrest. Rejoicer’s command of vintage synths like the Prophet, Juno and Minimoog results in a classic and cutting-edge signature sound. Guest musicians add further depth, but Rejoicer’s unique vision shines through. More than just a collection of tracks, “This Is Reasonable” is a profound statement – an essential listen for any fan of forward-thinking instrumental music. Meditative yet stirring, it’s a true gem.
Yummi Wisler Guitar Combo – The Albanian Connection
Yummi Wisler, a graduate of the band ‘Habiluim,’ teams up with producer Rejoicer in an instrumental album that mixes lounge, blues, and world music into the perfect soundtrack for a long evening of tense silence, or, as Yummi describes it, “strange dancing music for strange dancing people”. ‘The Albanian Connection’ was recorded in 12 consecutive hours with Amir Bresler on drums and Gilad Abro on the double bass, with dazzling guest appearances by Maya Dunietz and Nitai Hershkovits on the organ. Highly recommended to fans of eclectic blues-rock, but it is also a rewarding listen for everyone else.
Awen Ensemble – Cadair Idris
With “Cadair Idris,” Awen Ensemble takes listeners on a captivating sonic journey inspired by the mystical Welsh mountain. Known for their sophisticated approach, the group blends traditional jazz and folk with modern sensibilities to create a unique, reflective soundscape. Tracks like “Idris”, “Unsettled”, “Zorny”, and “Upon Leaving The Dream” showcase their masterful instrumentation and cohesive ensemble playing. The album ebbs and flows organically, giving each instrument a voice while maintaining a unified sound. Drawing on themes of nature, tranquillity, and the human experience, the Awen Ensemble channels the mountain’s awe-inspiring essence into thought-provoking compositions. Cadair Idris stands as a compelling example of contemporary jazz’s enduring appeal and constant reinvention. Both jazz lovers and newcomers will find this innovative, emotionally rewarding album an enriching listening experience.
Reissues
Roy Montgomery – Temple IV
Many people regard Temple IV as the pinnacle of solo albums by New Zealand legend Roy Montgomery. Released in 1995 by Kranky as a CD-only edition, original copies are now rare, stirring a persistent desire among its admirers for a vinyl version. Demonstrating the power of simplicity, Temple IV turns minimal resources – just a guitar, effects, a 4-track tape deck, and later, Moog drones – into a veritable symphony. Drawing from the rainforests, ancient ruins, and a particular temple in Guatemala, Montgomery explores themes of death, mortality, and transcendence through his music. It’s now available on vinyl for the first time, spiced up with a couple of bonus tracks from 2018.
Compilations
Bô’vel – Changes
Athens Of The North has unearthed a gem for you! It’s a compilation of rare treasures from Bô’vel, the crowned Queen of UK Street Soul, also known as Bernadette Mosoph. This release is absolutely a must-have!
