This week’s guide is by CF Smith and contributors Arifur Rahman, and Irfan Ayaan.
Yet another Friday rolls around, bringing with it a fresh edition of Between The Cracks, packed with must hear releases. These are our albums that we’ve been listening to this week and we think you’ll love them too! If you find a release you adore, consider snagging a copy. Supporting artists and labels never goes out of style!
Albums
Voice Actor & Squu – Lust (1)
Voice Actor (Noa Kurzweil) is at it again; this time, she’s brought a new friend to join the fun—Squu. Those yearning for more of the calming vibes of hazy trip-hop mixed with whispery spoken word and dub-infused ambient textures that graced VA’s debut are in luck! Kurzweil has ditched the vast scope of her debut along with Levi Lenser for a more digestible 14-track effort. Musically, in some ways, it’s more of the same, yet Squu adds a refreshing twist with his lush, sensual, ASMR-inducing soundscapes. It’s like a cosy stew simmering on a Sunday afternoon—tracks build gradually, enveloping you in its soothing embrace until you’re completely locked in by the subtle textures and nuanced layers. As Option Constant cleverly noted on Bandcamp, “This album is a hypnagogic theta wave to the REM dreams of Voice Actor’s self-titled opus”. As with almost everything on the STROOM.tv label, this one’s a must-listen and a must-own! – CFS
Yazz Ahmed – A Paradise In The Hold
British-Bahraini trumpeter and composer Yazz Ahmed’s fourth album, ‘A Paradise In The Hold’, plunges into the depths of her dual heritage, skillfully fusing jazz improvisation with Bahraini and traditional Arabic musical styles. Ahmed presents Bahraini sea-farer melodies throughout the album, lamenting women’s vital role in the past and female drumming circles. As her first attempt at writing lyrics, Ahmed used both English and Arabic, which brings fresh sounds to her already broad musical scope. The album gains heightened depth through her father’s voice on ‘Into The Night’ and vocal collaborations with Natacha Atlas and Brigitte Beraha. Two personal faves, “She Stands On The Shore” and the title track, merge pearl-diving musical elements to create an irresistible, joyous expression through rhythmic droning and vibrant solo improvisations. Through “A Paradise In The Hold,” Ahmed produces music that brings Bahraini traditions to the present age while creating groundbreaking new jazz combinations that will reshape the jazz landscape. – CFS
Dowdelin – Tchenbé!
Love this one! French-Caribbean electro-jazz collective Dowdelin has put forward “Tchenbé!,” their latest album. Dowdelin co-founded by multi-instrumentalist and producer David Kiledjian and singer-songwriter Olivya Victorin; the pair share a common love for contemporary jazz, R&B, and neo-soul. This is another album that screams Afrofuturism, with twists of their own. How they effortlessly blend genres and how Olivya seamlessly switches between Creole, French, and English signifies the freedom Dowdelin’s music promotes, which can be felt in the songs “I Ka Woulé” and “La Dernière Fois.” Also, “Ca Va” is a groovy homage to Caribbean rhythms, one of the group’s driving forces. This is an absolute must-listen, full of catchy hooks, irresistible grooves, and tons of intricate details. -AR
KALI Trio – The Playful Abstract
“The Playful Abstract” is the third release from the KALI Trio and marks their tenth anniversary as a group. This album is a fitting successor to their sophomore work “LOOM,” which won the Album of the Year award from Radio 3FACH. With Nicolas Stocker on drums and electronics, Urs Müller on guitar and Raphael Loher on piano and electronics, KALI discards the notion of genres aiming to create a “sound cosmos” where the sound of the whole overrides any individual musicianship. From a dreamy, bubbling opening track, “Organelle”, to a more ambient and mysterious “Flux,” The Playful Abstract is a phenomenal contemporary jazz album. – AR
Chris Doherty – Call Me Jonah, I’m Geppetto
Chris Doherty’s Call Me Jonah, I’m Geppetto is a captivating journey through instrumental jazz fusion, anchored by luminous saxophone melodies that guide the listener like beacons in the night. Doherty, a Northern Irish bassist and composer, follows up his debut Wise Up, Wee Boy with this sophomore effort, drawing inspiration from his newfound role as a parent. The album’s thematic core is derived from a poem exploring the transformative experience of fatherhood and the embrace of sincere vulnerability. The sound is a deft blend of contemporary jazz and fusion elements, with Meilana Gillard’s saxophone work taking centre stage, supported by a tight ensemble including Joseph Leighton on guitar and Neil Burns on keys. Tracks like All My Flaws Look Good on Her and the epic closer Content Creator showcase the group’s ability to weave intricate musical narratives. Standout track Ay-Va exemplifies the album’s strengths, marrying Doherty’s compositional prowess with the band’s improvisational flair. The title track serves as a thematic anchor, embodying the album’s exploration of personal growth and artistic maturity. Overall, Call Me Jonah, I’m Geppetto is a compelling testament to Doherty’s evolution as a musician and a human being, offering a deeply personal yet universally resonant listening experience. Worth checking out. – IA
Black Flower – Kinetic
Black Flower’s Kinetic pulses with an irresistible energy that demands movement. This Belgian ensemble, known for its unique fusion of Ethio-jazz, oriental influences, dub, and afrobeat, has garnered acclaim from tastemakers like Gilles Peterson and earned praise from prestigious publications such as MOJO and Uncut. On Kinetic, Black Flower explores rhythm and motion as catalysts for transformation. The album’s seven tracks create a sonic landscape where each beat serves as a disruptor, shattering stagnation and propelling the listener forward. The title track, clocking in at nearly 10 minutes, exemplifies this philosophy, weaving a hypnotic tapestry of sound that evolves and adapts with fluid grace. Monkey System, featuring Meskerem Mees, stands out as a highlight, showcasing the band’s ability to blend diverse influences into a cohesive and compelling whole. The shorter Violet Drift offers a more concentrated dose of the band’s signature style, proving they can captivate in extended and concise formats. Kinetic is a bold statement on the power of movement to overcome life’s obstacles. – IA
Shuta Hasunuma – +1P EP
Shuta Hasunuma releases his new project, “+1P EP”. The title originates from his recent multi-channel sound performance, “unpeople + 1 people, ” reflecting his desire to create what he wants to make and hear. The first track, “Heaven”, premiered in 2024 at the “Unpeople” premiere, and the second cut, “Pragma,” is a rhythm-heavy track which was performed in his club set. The next track is an instrumental called “One Window, ” the instrumental version of the song ‘One Window,’ released in 2023. The epic 7-minute-long “Pluralist” closes the album. – AR
