This week’s guide is by CF Smith and contributors Irfan Ayaan and Imran Mirza.
Hello, good people; welcome to our new Between the Cracks. Here are six new favourites to add to your collection. We have everything from, jazz fusion, library music, spiritual electronics and more. Each album features a mini-review and, most importantly, a buy link. So, if something tickles your eardrums, follow the link to make it yours! Enjoy the music.
Albums
The Natural Yogurt Band & The Oracle – Nebulous
Nebulous, The Natural Yogurt Band’s eighth album, takes listeners on a cosmic journey through uncharted sonic territories. This UK-based project, known for its enigmatic library music compositions, collaborates with keyboardist Huw Rees (The Oracle) to expand its already rich soundscape. The album’s nine tracks blend gritty drum breaks and electric pulses with Rees’ warped organs and electric pianos, creating a sound that echoes the raw energy of deep space. This fusion of The Natural Yogurt Band’s signature style with The Oracle’s keyboard wizardry results in a more complex and layered auditory experience. Standout tracks include Messages, a five-minute exploration of cosmic grooves, and the title track, perfectly encapsulating the album’s spacey, jazz-funk fusion aesthetic. Both showcase the seamless integration of Miles Newbold’s rhythmic prowess with Rees’ keyboard mastery. Nebulous represents a bold step forward for The Natural Yogurt Band, pushing the boundaries of their unique brand of library music. – IA
Naissoo Freeform Quintet – Naissoo Freeform Quintet
When it comes to jazz music, a lot is going on in Estonia. Loads of fantastic new artists and music are waiting to be discovered. That’s primarily thanks to the impact of the renowned composer and musician Tõnu Naisso. The influence of Naisso cannot be overstated in the country’s musical landscape. He continues to resonate and push the boundaries with his latest endeavour, the Naissoo Freeform Quintet. Rhodes, drums, double bass, bass clarinet, Moog Source, and ARP Odyssey all come together in a harmonious jumble as the quintet bottles up the catchy vibes of funk and the daring soul of free jazz, all while giving a retro wink to the psychedelic era. – CFS
Moksha Black – The Offering
Deep spiritual electronics from the mind of Moksha Black, aka King Britt. We adored the releases of this talented, versatile, and visionary producer before, but this time, he’s sprinkled a little extra magic into his music. The Offering is a collection of spiritual and soulful tracks honouring Sankofa’s sonic spirit. These songs celebrate key moments of Black liberation across cosmic history, unfolding in a captivating non-linear narrative. So, plug in and let the sounds of resistance, rebirth, and revival transport you across the cosmic history of liberation. You can nab it on Bandcamp for whatever price you fancy. What’s not to love? – CFS
The Pro-Teens – MF TEEN: Your Concurrence In The Above Is Assumed
The Pro-Teens deliver a captivating tribute to the late MF DOOM with their latest album, MF TEEN: Your Concurrence In The Above Is Assumed. This Melbourne-based collective, led by drummer Hudson Whitlock, reimagines 14 iconic DOOM tracks through a cinematic soul lens. Known for their weirdo instrumental soul records, The Pro-Teens draws from diverse influences, including comic book stylings, dark hip-hop flavours, and cinematic compositions. This album showcases their ability to blend these elements into a unique sound tapestry. The record’s strength lies in its diverse tonal palette, mirroring DOOM’s musical versatility. Standout tracks like Doomsday and Curls receive fresh interpretations, while deeper cuts like The Gas Face are given new life. The band strikes a delicate balance between honouring the originals and infusing their creative spin. With its rich instrumentation and thoughtful arrangements, this album offers DOOM devotees and newcomers a fresh perspective on the masked villain’s legendary catalogue. – IA
Will Samson – Songs Of Beginning And Belonging
Following his previous release, Harp Swells, Samson ventures deeper into introspective territory, crafting a delicate and meditative collection that reflects inner peace and renewal. A versatile performer who has shared stages with Efterklang and Ólafur Arnalds, Samson has often felt caught between genres. This new album, however, finds him embracing his unique voice. Recorded in a secluded studio on Portugal’s River Tejo, the album’s six tracks weave a tapestry of ethereal textures and subtle emotions. Standout track Faris And The Olive Buds exemplifies Samson’s mastery of atmosphere, blending vintage tape machine wizardry with haunting cello and violin. I Will Sing Again Soon opens the album with a sense of cautious optimism, setting the tone for this deeply personal work. The meandering piano progression in Loshult is truly a beautiful moment. Samson’s use of 1970s tape machines lends a warm, analog quality to the recordings, creating a sonic palette that is both nostalgic and forward-looking. Songs of Beginning & Belonging is a triumph of ambient experimentation, marking a new chapter for an artist who has found his true musical home. Perfect music to sit back and really tune into. – IA
Etienne Manchon Trio – Weird Life
‘Weird Life’ marks the latest release from French ensemble Etienne Manchon Trio who celebrate the distinction of their third full-length album. With an epic amount of live performances chalked up for last year, 2025 already seems off to an impressive start for Manchon with performances booked for all around France as part of a variety of ensembles including Calico Ensemble, Guillaume Lopez Trio and of course the Etienne Manchon Trio in support of ‘Weird Life’. What a treat it would surely be to see ‘Weird Life’ brought to scintillating life on a live stage. As an eleven-track album, Manchon, Daldosso and Moutou navigate a fantastic course interweaving some sublime pieces of music with personality-driven and charismatic compositions generating some brilliant standout moments. And it’s potentially those slightly more unexpected moments that prove the most captivating like the dreamy ‘Early Flight’ or the understated 70s sonics of ‘Road Trip’. Etienne Manchon is unlikely to sit still for too long before the touring schedule resumes or it’s time to hit the studio again but his body of work really does warrant your attention. As for the Etienne Manchon Trio, ‘Weird Life’ delivers as a phenomenal album for both long-time listeners of the trio as it does as an introduction for new ears. – IM
