We’re back with a new Between The Cracks feature. As ever we thrive in the underground, and cherish those adventurous artist who relish creating something truly distinctive. From Sarah Davachi to Maya Ongaku we have six releases that live in the spaces unoccupied by the mainstream and refuse to be neatly pigeonholed into any one box. Dive into our latest selection, and if something tickles your eardrums, follow the buy link to make it yours! Enjoy the music, and have a great weekend!
Sarah Davachi – The Head As Form’d In The Crier’s Choir
Sarah Davachi wraps up her trilogy with a spellbinding collection of music crafted for chamber ensembles and soloists. A fascinating album where pipe organs, strings, trombones, woodwinds, and voices gracefully mingle with electronics and a few mysterious sounds yet to be named. Inspired by Greek mythology, these seven extensive pieces sound like artefacts unearthed from a long-forgotten era.
Lee Clarke – Lunar Retreat
“Lunar Retreat” hints at the moon’s subtle, graceful drift away from Earth. Lee Clarke captures this theme by weaving together a tapestry of tones, instruments, genres, and emotions. The album underscores the human psyche’s darker and heavy themes and feelings. It is akin to a meditation on one’s inner world that nurtures the unlighted shades of the heart. Over 16-track Clarke touches upon the personal and collective experience of perilous relationships and social distancing. He doffs his cap to beat-making, jazz, and minimalistic piano music, which you hear on tracks like “Solar”, “Lunar”, and “Saltwater,” featuring Ivy Sole and “Dreamed,” with Daniel Suun.
Laurence Pike – The Undreamt-of Centre
The Undreamt-of Centre is the latest album from Australian drummer Laurence Pike. The death of Pike’s father-in-law incited the creation of this album. This event reframed Pile’s interest in overturning the religious construct of a requiem and making it more contemporary. Recorded in a 19th-century Gothic church in collaboration with the Vox Sydney Philharmonia Choir, conducted by composer Sam Lipman, this album draws influences from a multitude of genres and artists, such as Japanese environmental ambient music, free jazz, and Estonian choral traditions. The Undreamt-of Centre is a bold experiment packed with great details – listen with an open mind.
EP’s
Sessa – Köln Sessions
“Köln Sessions” is the sound of Sessa leading his quartet by reimagining material from across his discography. Imagine stepping into a cosy, dimly lit studio in Cologne, where Sessa’s enchanting melodies fill the air. His unique blend of Brazilian and global influences creates an atmosphere as warm as a cup of hot cocoa on a cold winter’s night. This instrumental EP serves up a refreshing and effortlessly listenable experience, where soft guitar arrangements and sweet melodies take centre stage.
Red Hot Org – TRAИƧA
Storied activist and music production non-profit Red Hot Org continue to impress and excel. TRAИƧA, the newest project, spotlights some of the most daring and imaginative trans and non-binary artists of our time. With over 100 artists on board, TRAИƧA stands as one of Red Hot’s most audacious projects: a soul-searching expedition across 8 chapters and 46 songs. The full album arrives later this month, but enjoy a taste with this five-track sampler for now. Oh, and it includes none other than the fabulous Sade Adu, with a song dedicated to her trans son, Izaak.
Maya Ongaku – Electronic Phantoms
Having already wowed us with their delectable slice of acid-folk, meets woozy psych, ambient & meditative jazz on their debut album. Maya Ongaku takes a slightly different path with Electronic Phantoms. While their debut album, Approach to Anima, was more for horizontal listening, this new EP has an entirely different attitude. It’s as if the band swapped their slippers for dancing shoes with a determination to get you on your feet and moving. If you long the album’s vibe, make a beeline for Meiso Ongaku 1 & 2.
