This week’s guide is by CF Smith and contributors Irfan Ayaan and Imran Mirza.
Friday has arrived, bringing with it a brand-new edition of our “Between The Cracks” feature. This week analogue synth sounds meet ancient Moroccan gnawa, electroacoustic mingles with dark ambient plus genre-bending jazz, folktronica and more. Dive into our latest picks and if something strikes a chord with you, show your love by clicking the buy or share link. Enjoy the music, and have a great weekend!
Albums
Moses Yoofee Trio – MYT
Berlin’s Moses Yoofee Trio delivers a genre-bending masterpiece with their debut full-length album, MYT. Following their 2023 mini-album ‘Ocean’ and a German Jazz Prize win, this rising ensemble pushes boundaries and defies expectations. The trio, formed in 2020, has quickly become a force in the German jazz scene. Their approach on MYT is refreshingly minimalist, distilling their sound to its purest form while drawing inspiration from RnB, hip hop, and soul as much as traditional jazz. This fusion creates a unique sonic landscape that showcases the group’s versatility and prodigious talents. Standout tracks like GREEN LIGHT featuring ENNY and THIS COULD BE THE END with EVÎN demonstrate the trio’s collaborative spirit and ability to seamlessly blend genres. The album’s production, helmed by the trio, maintains a delicate balance between polished studio work and raw emotional energy. MYT is a testament to the Moses Yoofee Trio’s artistic vision, aiming to create emotions, moments and bangers. Their meticulous attention to arrangement ensures every note serves a purpose. – IA
SHOLTO – Letting Go of Forever
Following a string of standalone single releases and the warmly-received EP ‘The Changing Tides of Dreams’ (2023), Oscar “SHOLTO” Robertson unveils his highly-anticipated full-length project in ‘Letting Go of Forever’. Finding its home alongside the litany of recent and outstanding DeepMatter releases – including Don Glori’s ‘Don’t Forget to Have Fun’, Matt Wilde’s ‘It’s a Delight EP’ and The Offline’s ‘Les cigales‘ – Robertson proves as adept as his acclaimed label mates in presenting exquisite sonic soundscapes that serve as delectable melting pots for a range of influences and styles. As a producer and multi-instrumentalist, Robertson regards the ambitious 26-track project as an opportunity to showcase the range of skills and wonderful talents available to him but also to embrace the opportunity to interweave these sublime and intricate musical narratives across an infinitely broad sonic palette. ‘Letting Go of Forever’ proves to be an exceptional project that positions SHOLTO as an artist respectful of the foundations established by names like David Axelrod but also as an artist definitively carving out his own path ahead. One that will no doubt inspire others in time to come. – IM
Confucius MC, Bastien Keb – Songs for Lost Travellers
Songs for Lost Travellers marks an intriguing debut collaboration between Confucius MC and producer Bastien Keb, blending hip-hop, folk, and jazz into a genre-defying spiritual odyssey. This ambitious project navigates uncharted sonic territories, offering listeners a deeply introspective journey. The album’s 14 tracks weave a tapestry of introspection and existential musings, with recurring guest appearances by Kofi Flexxx adding depth to the narrative. Opening tracks Tell Me Lies, and Fairytale set the tone, exploring the comforting illusions we cling to in life. The standout Time Will Come is a poignant reminder of mortality, with Con’s introspective lyrics floating over Keb’s understated production. Sonically, the album traverses a diverse landscape, from lo-fi folk-inspired plucking to ambient soundscapes and jazz-inflected rhythms. This eclectic mix creates a unique auditory experience that defies easy categorisation. Songs for Lost Travellers is a bold artistic statement that challenges listeners to confront life’s inevitable truths. While it may not be an easy listen, it rewards those willing to embark on its spiritual journey. This album establishes Confucius MC and Bastien Keb as innovative voices, crafting a deeply personal and universally resonant work. – IA
Saba Alizadeh – Temple Of Hope
Inspired by Iran’s “Woman Life Freedom” movement “Temple of Hope” by Saba Alizadeh is a haunting and evocative album that instantly captures your imagination. Alizadeh, known for his innovative blend of traditional Iranian music with modern electronic elements, takes you on a journey through sound that feels both ancient and futuristic. The album layers rich, mournful strings over tense, hypnotic rhythms, creating a meditative and stirring atmosphere. Whether you find solace in its serenity or inspiration in its complexity, “Temple of Hope” is well worth your time. – CFS
Tuung – Love You All Over Again
Tunng’s Love You All Over Again marks a triumphant return to form for the pioneering pagan folktronica outfit. Two decades after their genre-defying debut, the British sextet revisits and refines their signature sound with renewed vigour. Known for blending acoustic folk with electronic textures, Tunng has spent 20 years pushing boundaries and taking creative detours. This eighth studio album sees them circling back to their roots, consciously reconnecting with the ethos that captivated their early work. The record is a masterful fusion of organic and synthetic elements, weaving Sam Genders’ poetic lyrics with Mike Lindsay’s intricate production. Tunng’s sonic palette remains as eclectic as ever, marrying rustic instrumentation with futuristic beats and crackling electronics. Standout track Everything Else exemplifies their knack for crafting atmospheric soundscapes, while Snails showcases Lindsay’s lyrical prowess. Both songs highlight the band’s ability to create simultaneously ancient and modern music, familiar yet otherworldly. Love You All Over Again is a testament to Tunng’s enduring creativity and relevance. For fans of experimental folk and electronic music alike, this album is an essential listen that proves Tunng’s pagan folktronica is as vital and enchanting as ever. – IA
Vian & Maalem Najib Soudani – Mogador
Mogador by Pedro Vian and Maâlem Najib Soudani is a mesmerising fusion of analog electronics and traditional Gnawa music that defies expectations. This groundbreaking collaboration bridges the gap between experimental soundscapes and ancient Moroccan rhythms. Vian, known for his electronic prowess, and Soudani, a master of Gnawa music, create a sonic tapestry that’s both innovative and deeply respectful of its roots. The album’s strength lies in its ability to seamlessly blend the hypnotic qualities of Gnawa with the ethereal textures of analog synthesisers. Standout tracks like Mogador 1 and Mogador 3 showcase the perfect synergy between Vian’s EMS AKS Synthi and Buchla, and Soudani’s qrebeb and guimbiri. The interplay of electronic pulses and traditional instrumentation creates a trance-inducing atmosphere that’s truly captivating. Soudani’s soulful vocals, steeped in spiritual tradition, float effortlessly over Vian’s carefully crafted electronic landscapes. The result is a cinematic journey that transcends cultural boundaries and pushes the limits of both genres. Mogador is a triumph of cross-cultural collaboration, offering a fresh perspective on the potential of electronic and traditional music fusion. This album might take some time to grow on you, but once it does, it’s definitely a keeper. – IA
