Looking to expand your music collection? Check out our latest selection of essential releases you need to hear.! Every week, our Between The Cracks feature showcases musical gems that often fly under the radar. There’s a whole smorgasbord of musical genres to explore, and we’ve cover everything from Afrobeat to ambient electronic to art rock, experimental pop to spiritual jazz, and more! Read our mini-guide below, and if you like what you hear, click the links to support the artists. Happy listening, folks!
Albums
Dele Sosimi & The Estuary 21 – The Confluence LP
The Confluence by Dele Sosimi offers a sense of perfection in every aspect. From the first note until the last, this album introduces an atmosphere of comfort that’s easy to immerse in and enjoy. The iconic afrobeat maestro delves into soul, Afrobeat, jazz, R&B, and funk, embracing the future while keeping a keen ear to his musical roots. This wondrous endeavour includes collaborations with Sam Duckworth, aka Get Cape. Wear Cape. Fly, Snowyboy, Lizzy Dosunmu, and others.
Itzhak Ventura – Ein Sof
‘Ein Sof’ is the brainchild of flautist Itzhak Ventura with producer/musician Yuvi “Rejoicer” Havkin. ‘Ein Sof’ translates to ‘there is no end,’ this aptly named record portrays a mysterious and slowly unfolding soundscape with Ventura’s fluttering flute work paired with ambient-electronic from Havkin. “I want people to feel the connection of heart and spirit….” is what Ventura wished for his album to achieve. Tracks such as ‘Rise From Ruins’ and ‘Mountain Prayer’ encapsulate this sentiment astoundingly well. His use of Ney and the incorporation of this instrument’s playing style are modern settings, marking the instrumental foresight and taste in music that Ventura possesses.
Son of Philip – Plastic Borough
Son Of Philip is a project by Tom Smith, whose debut full-length is an elegant, transportative and beguiling slice of ambient electronics. The subtly foggy yet powerfully atmospheric, shape-shifting sounds make up a meticulously crafted trail through the maze of electronic music. Along the way, it beautifully integrates the cello, brought to life by Matthew Farrell, and vocals, graciously delivered by Ylva Grönlund. I strongly suggest you grab a pair of headphones and set aside some of your valuable time for this. Words, indeed, can’t do it justice, so just listen. You won’t regret it!
Carme López – Quintela
‘Quintela’ is the debut album by Spanish artist Carme López. She is a teacher and researcher of traditional oral music from Galicia, and this record is a new experimental work for the Galician bagpipe, an instrument strongly tied to the traditional music of Galicia. The six-track record ( with one prologue, one epilogue, and four tracks in between) arc focuses on the artist’s past, the people around her, and the places she has been to. All in all, this could be a concept album that traces a journey in and of itself. Listeners are supposed to immerse themselves in these interconnected tracks and experience the temporal and spatial soundscape that Carme portrays.
Adult Jazz – So Sorry So Slow
“Angular yet gentle, beautiful and melismatic” is how the album ‘So Sorry So Slow’ can be described. This is the first full-length album in a decade from the London-based quartet “Adult Jazz.” This album is quintessentially unique and genuinely deserves to be called so. The quartet didn’t shy away from experimenting unconventionally with timbres like dancing strings and fluttering falsetto prang against a bed of brass drones like a wounded bird. This goes perfectly with themes of romance, panic, devotion and remorse. Over the background of piano sprees and luscious string sections, Harry Burgess’ plunging vocal distortions sound exquisitely delicious and awe-inspiring. A really, really beautiful piece of art.
Bullion – Affection
Bullion’s latest album provides an irresistible journey through melodic, luxuriant pop landscapes favouring the leftfield. With Affection, he once again showcases an exceptional instance of contemporary, diverse pop music, expertly using the song structure in a way that feels enriching rather than restrictive. The album features contributions from Carly Rae Jepsen, Panda Bear, and Charlotte Adigéry.
EP’s
(Liv).e – Demos PT. 1 AUG-SEPT. 2023 – Sometimes They Can’t Stay (ideas you love)
Liv.e never ceases to amaze, consistently delivering albums that are anything but boring and can’t be accused of having even one dull song on this short but enticing EP of demo recordings, experimental electronics, alternative R&B and neo-soul mix with her sultry vocals. It’s a winning combination!
Singles
Isla Saturno, Criosphera, Sr. Maniqui – Rosado
“Rosado” is a finely crafted composition delicately woven with a blend of harmonic elements and the unique tones of Isla Saturno’s modular synth. Mariela and Sr. Criosphera further enrich this piece by adding their vocals and saxophone playing, giving an otherwise synthetic sound an element of human touch and organic refinement.
