Albums
Svaneborg Kardyb – Superkilen
With Superkilen, Danish duo Svaneborg Kardyb crafts a serene sonic landscape offering a soothing escape from modern life’s chaos. The pair, comprised of Nikolaj Svaneborg on Wurlitzer, Juno, and piano and Jonas Kardyb on drums and percussion, has garnered acclaim, winning New Artist of the Year and Composer of the Year at the Danish Music Awards Jazz in 2019. Drawing inspiration from Danish folk music and Scandinavian jazz luminaries like Nils Frahm, Esbjรถrn Svensson, and Jan Johanssonโs Jazz Pรฅ Svenska, they meld beautiful melodies with delicate minimalism and subtle electronica vibes. Their music is characterised by melodic grooves, Nordic atmospheres, and an organic interplay that underscores the sheer joy of their collaboration. Standout tracks like the title piece Superkilen embody this blend of influences, creating spaces of calm and unity reminiscent of the Copenhagen park that inspired it. St. Pancras further showcases their evolving musical themes, offering a joyful melding of melody and rhythm that highlights their compositional prowess. Overall, Superkilen reflects the positive energy of its namesake park and serves as a tonic for listeners seeking serenity in a cluttered world. Itโs a testament to Svaneborg Kardybโs ability to transform environments through music.
Marysia Osu – – harp, beats & dreams
Classically trained harpist Marysia Osu makes a mesmerising debut with harp, beats & dreams, blending serene harp melodies with quirky electronics and ethereal collaborations. A member of the Levitation Orchestra and graduate of Brownswoodโs ‘Bubblers’ program, Osu began her musical journey in Poland before moving to London at 10. Her classical education at Trinity Laban fueled her experimentation with FX pedals and electronic production, leading to collaborations with artists like Puma Blue and Alabaster dePlume. The album, a collection of intimate diary entries, captures emotional states through haunting harp lines, subtle electronics, and organic sounds. Recorded at home, the tracks often include the natural ambience of harp strings and surroundings, enhancing their authenticity. Seatime opens with transportive melodies that whisk listeners into a coastal haze. Memento Mori, featuring YUIS, draws inspiration from stoic philosophy, combining a delay-soaked harp with an illuminating flute to contemplate living in the present. With Plumm’s vocals, Care to Care delivers a message of self-care over elegant harp and cello arrangements. harp, beats & dreams is an elevating listening experience, showcasing Osu’s talent for crafting sonic sanctuaries. This impressive debut is a must-listen for those seeking a tranquil escape through innovative harp-led compositions.
Kinkajous – Nothing Will Disappear
Nothing Will Disappear, by London-based experimentalists Kinkajous, is a bold step from the duo. Their previous records’ dark and introspective themes are filled in by a more colourful and directed approach. Led by drummer and producer Benoรฎt Parmentier and saxophonist Adrien Cau, the duo is joined by Jack Doherty on synths/ keys, Andres Castellanos on bass, and Alan Keary on strings. Their music has always been a glorious fusion of electronic orchestrations and jazz aesthetics, sewn together post-bop improvisation with modern electronic music. The cinematic soundscape of this album accentuates the dynamics of human nature, uncertainty, and the byzantine interconnectedness of society and community. Nothing Will Disappear is a power-driven and rejuvenating record from Kinkajous.
Ross McHenry – Love and Obscurity
As a bassist, producer and composer from Adelaide, Australia, Ross McHenry has always boasted an uncanny ability to present a range of various facets to his music. Whether it was the blazing funk and soul of The Transatlantics or the Fela Kuti and afrobeat inspired collective, The Shaolin Afronauts – both collectives with projects released through the UK’s Freestyle Records – McHenry’s unbridled joy for performance and collaboration would go on to result in one of the most beloved names associated with Freestyle and their continual celebration of contemporary funk, soul and afrobeat. But even further to that, McHenry’s ability to recontextualise his music has led to almost unrecognisable contributions as a producer, as was the case with Melbourne vocalist Chelsea Wilson’s ‘Chasing Gold’ – a contemporary disco-infused soul release in the vein of the revered Elektra era recordings of Patrice Rushen amongst other influences. The album is yet another testament to Ross McHenry’s phenomenal and ever-evolving mastery that has garnered, without a doubt, one of his most compelling projects to date.
Settings – at Eulogy
Free folk, ambient, drone rock, and kosmische merge effortlessly on Settings’ latest colourful endeavour. The album, featuring the talents of multi-instrumentalist Nathan Bowles, Jaime Fennelly, and Joe Westerlund, was recorded live at the Asheville brewery, which lends its name to the record. Its seamless flow invites you to listen as a continuous piece, revealing its brilliance.
Dialect – Atlas of Green
On Dialect’s fifth album, “Atlas Of Green,” the charming quirks and glitches of analog and acoustic gear take centre stage. These unexpected pop and charming crackles are not just background noise but the stars of the show, adding depth and character to each track. Dilalect expertly weaves these elements into a cohesive narrative, picturing a distant future where today’s instruments and those from the not-so-distant past become revolutionary discoveries once more.
