Yes, we’re back with our latest edition of Between The Cracks – your guide to the must-hear music for this Friday! This week’s offerings feature a worldwide blend of Spanish experimental pop, African folk, Russian DnB jazz fusion, and many other wondrous sounds. Our latest picks are just below—hopefully, you’ll find a new release or two you love and can’t wait to add to your collection!
Albums
Daga Voladora – Los manantiales
Cristina Plaza, aka Daga Voladora, has been a cult artist in the Spanish pop underground for many years, and “Los manantiales” is her first album since 2016. The record is brimming with fantastic tracks that grab your attention right away. Voladora’s unique sound shines through, bringing to mind influences like Broadcast, Cate Le Bon, Stereolab, and Spanish bands such as Vainica Doble and Le Mans. Well worth the wait!
Herandu – Ocher Red
Herandu’s debut album Ocher Red is a captivating sonic journey that transports the listener to the vast Siberian steppes. This Siberian duo, consisting of brothers Evgeny and Mikhail Gavrilov, artfully blends influences ranging from drum and bass pioneers Metalheadz to jazz fusion greats Weather Report. Ocher Red marks a new chapter for the Gavrilov brothers, who have collaborated musically since childhood, including in the band FPRF in the mid-2000s. Recorded during studio sessions while visiting their native Siberia, the album captures a sound distinct from their solo projects as Dyad and Misha Sultan. Friend Vladimir Luchansky’s saxophone adds another layer to their “urban music” that evokes gritty 1970s cityscapes and modern urbanism. Standout tracks include the title track, which sets the album’s expansive tone, “Downtown Street”, “Taxi Trip”, and “Fab-U-Lous,” a propulsive journey with twists and turns. Guest collaborator Vladimir Luchansky weaves his sax hypnotically throughout the album. With Ocher Red, Herandu has crafted a gripping and utterly unique debut that rewards repeated listens. The album’s cover art by Mauro Reggio perfectly captures the moody, transportive soundscapes contained within. All in all Ocher Red is a thrilling journey through an array of styles, best enjoyed when you give it your full and undiveded attention. A high quality debut album.
Camp – Commun-e
David Turgeon revives Camp, his glitch-house moniker, with Commun·e, a gripping album that breaks silence since 2008’s Doubts EP. This set of tense, complex rhythms is influenced by footwork, UK bass, dub, and braindance, creating a unique hybrid style perfect for contemplative listening and energetic dancing. Turgeon, the mind behind Montreal’s No Type label, is pivotal in the city’s avant-garde electronic milieu. His previous Camp work, the reissued 2001 Féministe, differs from Commun·e‘s reflection of his Hochelaga neighbourhood’s dynamism. Tracks like “Perspective Morgan,” named after a local avenue, and “6600,” nodding to a local coalition, offer an abstract homage to Hochelaga’s spirited working-class community. Turgeon focuses on minimalist beats, dubwise sensibilities and quirky rhythms, forgoing soul samples and deep bass for a raw, provocative urban sound. Commun·e marks a celebrated return for a Montreal stalwart, adding fresh nuances to the Camp repertoire. It’s a record oscillating between mesmerising and unsettling, an experimental dance album that should energise a new wave of followers. Turgeon’s latest is not to be overlooked.
Tidiane Thiam – Africa Yontii
Senegalese guitarist Tidiane Thiam’s “Africa Yontii” is a vibrant instrumental album that pulsates with African pride. From the same hometown as the legendary singer and guitarist Baaba Maal, Thiam’s self-taught, expressive guitar style shines through. His third release for Sahel Sounds, the album reimagines Pulaar folk into melodic compositions, conveying powerful messages without words. Collaborating with hip-hop producer Ndiaye Moctar proves ingenious. Moctar’s beats and field recordings enhance Thiam’s guitar, especially in tracks like “Neene Africa”, “Yewende” and “Oo Duna.” Thiam’s virtuosity and Moctar’s production are a testament to their skills. “Africa Yontii,” meaning “Africa, it’s time,” reflects Thiam’s urgency for change and self-determination in Africa. His instrumental plea is a stirring addition to the West African guitar tradition.
Turn On The Sunlight – Ocean Garden
‘Ocean Garden’ is the result of Jesse Peterson & his Turn On The Sunlight project fusing and exploring the largely unexplored intersection of New Age & Jazz with acclaimed artists like Sachiko Kanenobu, Phil Ranelin, Laraaji, Dwight Trible, Cavana Lee & Mia Doi Todd. Jesse began the journey of Turn On The Sunlight in 2010 as a duo with Carlos Niño. The duo has become an organic collective of LA-based and multi-generational musicians on this latest album. Jesse and his trusted allies have taken copious artistic and creative liberty in each track and presented masterpieces like the title song, ‘Alive To Feel’ and ‘Floating Sunset.’ The end result is deeply meditative.
Turn On The Sunlight – Canoga to Haʻikū
Another new album from Turn On The Sunlight! From the beginning to the end, this album sounds natural and fresh. Most of the music in ‘Canoga to Haʻikū’ was recorded in a single sitting by Carlos Niño and Jesse Peterson in Niño’s studio in California. The surrounding sounds of children, birds, insects, lizards, frogs, goats, wind, and rain were added to songs such as Loving Consideration, ‘Loving Kindness Reprise’, and ‘Miles and Miles of Ocean’ (which features Laraaji); these elements complement the organic approach taken by the artists.
