This week’s guide is by CF Smith and contributors Imran Mirza, Words By Shoaib and Irfan Ayaan.
Every Friday, like clockwork, we unveil a new edition of “Between The Cracks”. You know the drill by now: we share new music from around the world that we deem too good for your ears to miss. This week, we’re getting excited by new releases from Sean Haefeli, Eilis Frawley, Jules Reidy, Eddie Chacon and more… Lend an ear to this batch musical medicine, and if it strikes a chord, show some love to the artists and labels by supporting them. Happy listening.
Albums
Mathias Landæus, Nina de Heney and Kresten Osgood – Dissolving Patterns
The release of ‘Dissolving Patterns’ could respectfully be described as somewhat overdue. Having initially performed together back in 2013, the trio of Mathias Landæus, Nina de Heney, and Kresten Osgood have always affectionately called back to their distinctive chemistry whenever they were able to perform together. It’s certainly a testament to their collaborative energy as each artist can boast a multitude of projects bearing their exalted efforts. Swedish pianist Mathias Landæus holds the proud distinction of helming over twenty albums as a bandleader, along with boasting an even lengthier list of projects that have recruited his exquisite skills over the years. You could immerse yourself for days with the litany of projects drummer Kresten Osgood has accumulated via his Bandcamp page, from the high octane hip-hop of ‘I Love Lucie Baines’ to the off-kilter electro-dance of ‘NICE OXY’. And then there’s the music of bassist Nina de Heney whose explorations in solo bass prove a musical marvel, as evidenced through the 28-minute improvised piece ‘two’ or the collaborative release with Lina Järnegard, ‘Solo Piece for Peace, Please’. Each artist’s affection for improvisation seem to serve as their individual and unifying force for their trio’s formation and for ‘Dissolving Patterns’. A project that was recorded in Gothenburg in November 2023 and now released exactly as it was recorded – an enthralling mix of composition and improvisation. – IM
Sean Haefeli – Flying Broken Form
Sean Haefeli delivers an album on Flying Broken Form where he has perfected his jazz-soul-hip-hop crossover through complex and introspective music. The album builds its musical framework with synth textures, intricate harmonies, and driving grooves that the sharp horn arrangements electrify with energy. The album’s poetic lyrics from Haefeli show his ability to provide meditative thoughts about love, along with his insights into identity and social issues. The singer uses his fluid vocal skills to perform smooth melodies on rhythmically precise musical backgrounds. Each track of the album guides listeners through a fully cultivated symphony, creating meaningful connections between sound and purpose. The musical approach in this album moves between soothing rhythmic patterns and spontaneous unrestricted solo sections. Through his mastery of jazz harmonic structure and hip-hop speed tempo, Haefeli develops music that dwells in current times yet stands perpetually. The experimental project Flying Broken Form successfully combines elements from various genres to deliver a narrative which brings historical innovation into contemporary music. – WBS
Eilis Frawley – Fall Forward
Eilis Frawley’s debut full-length Fall Forward defies categorisation with its brilliant fusion of experimental percussion and spoken word artistry. The Australian-born, Berlin-based drummer has crafted a sonic manifesto that speaks with nuanced political awareness rather than blunt force. Co-produced with Kat Frankie, this sophisticated collection blends indie sensibilities with jazz improvisational spirit and krautrock’s hypnotic rhythms. Frawley’s percussion work forms the backbone of each composition, while layered vocals and thoughtfully placed synths create an immersive atmosphere. Standout tracks Be A Lady and Hallucinations showcase Frawley’s unique approach, with the latter appearing twice on the album, a testament to its compositional strength. Both benefit from Ariel Schlichter’s distinct mixing approach, separating them from the Andreas Sommer-mixed remainder of the album. Fall Forward emerges as a compelling artistic statement from a percussionist unafraid to experiment across genre boundaries, creating a cosmos of innovative, clever, and confidently executed sound. – IA
Marianna Maruyama & Hessel Veldman – Salt
Here’s an album perfect for those quieter moments when you need to sit down and soak it all in. I have to say that STROOM. tv has started 2025 pretty nicely, indeed. Salt is another essential release from the Belgium label by Marianna Maruyama & Hessel Veldman. In ‘Salt’, Hague-based artist and writer Maruyama meets the steadfast gaze of seasoned Dutch noise composer Veldman to explore the voice’s fluidity amid Veldman’s subtle interferences and deep drones. Maruyama and Veldman sure do make a fantastic musical duo. Interesting, engaging and disarmingly beautiful. This one has us hitting replay over and over again. – CFS
Jules Reidy – Ghost / Spirit
An artist that we’ve had our eyes on lately is guitarist Jules Reidy. The Berlin-based artist’s recent team-up with Andrea Belfi had us swooning over their album! We were itching to listen when we discovered they had released a new solo album. Reidy showcases their mastery in their eleventh full-length album, “Ghost/Spirit.” They push their instrument to its limits, using alternate tunings and extensive processing to unearth fresh textures. This is evident from the sweeping opener, “Every Day There’s A Sunset,” and continues throughout the album. – CFS
Eddie Chacon – Lay Low
R&B’s understated legend, Eddie Chacon, has composed a groove-laden and soul-searchingly introspective album. Titled Lay Low, it’s a hazy mix of Balearic bliss, dreamy electronica, chilled-out vibes, and sultry soul. In the album, Chacon takes us on a heartfelt journey through the grief of losing his mother and, ultimately, the healing. The subject matter is heavy, but the music feels surprisingly light, with Chacon remembering joyful memories. The production by Nick Hakim is beautiful and adds a rich quality to the tracks, enhancing the album’s emotional depth. Lay Low is one of those albums that offers greater rewards every time you dive back in with full attention. – CFS
