We’re back with another Between The Cracks selection, highlighting essential releases from all over the musical spectrum. This week, we’re featuring experimental electronic, neo-classical, improvised jazz, dodo-inspired soundscapes, psychedelic Gnawa blues, and more. We hope you’ll find some new releases you love and feel excited to hit the buy button. Check out our latest picks below.
Albums
MNTH – Lume Púrpuro
“Lume Púrpuro ” is the latest release from MNTH, a musician and producer Luciano Valério, and co-founder of underground São Paulo record label Desmonta. Amid social isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic, MNTH came up with the idea for this album. He found inspiration in everyday life, and our common everyday experiences can be seen as a source of inspiration. In “Lume Púrpuro”, noise and its textures are as important as melodies. Together, they evoke a vivid world of new perceptions and unique paths. This, in turn, attracts and engages the listeners into a meditative state. In many tracks, such as ‘Inclinação ao Silêncio’, the instrumentation brings out a primitive awe-inspiring soundscape. The album signals yet another step forward in MNTH’s ever-evolving musical journey, hinting at even greater things to come.
Elsa Hewitt – Chaos Emeralds
“Chaos Emeralds” by Elsa Hewitt dwells in a world suspended in time when traffic stops, and the only thing you can experience is nature itself, free from the never-ending noisy chorus of pollution and crowds. From an early age, Elsa played guitar, flute, and drum kit, and she showcased a natural inclination to opt for ad-hoc recording techniques. Eventually, she developed an aesthetic and passion for solo electronic songwriting, which laid the groundwork for “Chaos Emeralds.” The album’s lyrics were originally poems. Elsa’s singing in these poems is in perfect tandem with the synths and spontaneous field recordings of nature and creatures. Interestingly, the nearly wordless improvised tracks ‘Unimaginable Pain’ and ‘Wash The Sea’ are equally praiseworthy additions to this album. A must listen.
MIZU – Forest Scenes
A Juilliard-trained cellist, experimental artist and composer, MIZU leans heavily into the versatility of her instrument on her 2024 album ‘Forest Scenes’. This album is an adventure through an uncharted yet vibrant forest ecosystem which is deeply connected to nature, symbolizing personal reflection on themes of self-discovery and transformation. Mizu steered away from traditional classical norms and embellished her neoclassical playing with electronic flourishes. Structurally and thematically, this album’s experimental nature would appeal to listeners due to the raw, evocative and emotional blend of Electronic and traditional elements in an organic and lively way. The track ‘Realms of Possibility’ underscores the core philosophy of ‘Forest Scene’ with layers of slow-yearning cello and restlessly pulsating electronics, offering a cerebral ascension to the realm of sonic possibilities.
Amy Aileen Wood – The Heartening
LA-based drummer and producer Amy Aileen Wood has unveiled her debut LP, The Heartening, via Pete Min’s Colorfield Records. This album was equally uncomfortable and rewarding for Amy as she stepped beyond her comfort zone behind the scenes and into the spotlight. The Heartening features guests such as Daphne Chen, Nicole McCabe, Wayne Whittaker, and Kelsey Wood, as well as cameo appearances from Fiona Apple, Sebastian Steinberg, and John Would. For those who truly appreciate albums that dare to be different and revel in their unique sense of unconventionality, this collection offers you a treat. The most intriguing element here is the individuality of each track. It is a wonderfully diverse trip where no two tracks follow the same path.
Jonathan Bäckström Quartet – Jonathan Bäckström Quartet
The Jonathan Bäckström Quartet’s self-titled debut is a bold improvisational odyssey. Nordic jazz luminaries join bassist Bäckström on a largely spontaneous journey spanning minimalist soundscapes to explosive jams. The group’s intuitive interplay shines on tracks like the frenetic “Street Dog” and reflective “White Like Silver.” Bäckström’s compositional philosophy gives the musicians space to dialogue between intention and intuition. Each piece becomes a canvas for micro-improvisations by these distinctive yet coherent voices. Respecting jazz’s lineage while pushing boundaries, the album is a compelling testament to the power of the present moment in artistic expression. For improvisation aficionados, the Jonathan Bäckström Quartet’s debut marks them as an innovative force celebrating the “now” in music—a reflective yet audacious triumph.
Sean Ono Lennon – Asterisms
‘Asterisms’ is the result of a race against ” too much cosmic interference,” as the artist Sean Ono Lennon mentioned, referring to multiple” ordeals” he had to overcome to release this record. This pan-genre instrumental album blends jazz, rock, and electronic and morphs into something uniquely Lennon’s own. Recorded at Lennon’s upstate New York studio, this album features numerous artists like Smith, Honda, Leonhart, Hoff, Nogueira, and percussionist Mauro Refosco. Contemporary jazz guitarist Julian Lage was supposed to participate as well but he had to unfortunately leave the project. Astrology was infused into every aspect of his life, and mysticism was also a part of how his mother tried to teach him the way of the world. So, the title symbolises something about his relationship with his mother.
Bab L’ Bluz – Swaken
The second album from Moroccan-French rock group Bab L’ Bluz represents a staggering evolution in the songwriting and instrumental abilities of lead singer Yousra Mansour and multi-instrumentalist Brice Botton. Mansour, known for her melodious and intricate vocal style, demonstrates a newfound level of power and emotion in her melismatic voice that captivates listeners from the first note. Her mastery of the electric awisha lute brings an impressive array of mighty riffs that serve as the album’s backbone. The synergy within the band is palpable, with each member contributing to a rich tapestry of sound through a diverse range of instruments. The interplay of keyboards, flutes, electric guembri, drums, backing vocals, and qraqeb castanets creates a dynamic musical experience. Their ability to interact almost telepathically results in performances that are both skilled and cohesive, showcasing their collective talent and chemistry. Each track on the album is a testament to the band’s growth and ability to push boundaries while honoring their roots. The melodies are intricate, the rhythms are infectious, and the overall production is polished yet raw, capturing the essence of their live performances. As Bab L’ Bluz continues to evolve, they invite listeners on a trip that is as spiritually uplifting as it is musically enriching.
Odd Okoddo – Negore
Odd Okoddo, the Kenyan-German duo composed of multi-instrumentalist and singer Olith Ratego alongside percussionist Sven Kacirek, unveils its second album. “Negore” arrives five years after their 2019 debut, “Auma.” Just like “Auma,” “Negore” continues to draw inspiration from the rich and vibrant dodo music tradition of the Luo people, native to western Kenya and northern Tanzania. Fans of Odd Okoddo can expect a deep musical journey that not only honors the Luo heritage but also pushes the boundaries of modern global music. Blending electronics and percussion, it also features contributions from KMRU and Angel Bat Dawid.
