Eclectic Selections - Best Releases of the Year… So Far June 2022
It's that time of year again, so here's our two pence worth!!! This list is in no particular order and features 60 (technically 61) releases (EPs and albums). While we always encourage everyone to to be open minded the releases have been arranged into genre-defined sections to save you time. We 100% stand behind everyone of these recommendations!!!
Punk/Post-Punk
Mauskovic Dance Band – “Bukaroo Bank"
On their third album (and probably best to date) Mauskovic Dance Band keep the Dub, African and Dance music at the centre of their sound. However, they also add rhythms and guitar parts that draw from Post-Punk Funk bands like Talking Heads and A Certain Ratio. These new elements add an off-kilter feel to the music and open up space in the heavy and heady mixes the band are known for. It’s no bad thing and the band sound better than ever after this latest evolution!!!
Claude Cooper – “Myriad Sounds”
This fantastic debut album from mysterious Bristolian Breaks Scientist Claude Cooper takes Cinematic Jazz (think Lalo Schifrin), Funk and Trip-Hop influences and all delivered with the Punk spirit!!! The bass and breaks are upfront but the saxophone, flute and guitar all also paint melody, rhythm and shronk on the musical canvas. The album both celebrates Bristol’s proud musical heritage while also bring it bang up to date!!! An essential release, get it in your life!!!
Otoboke Beaver – “Super Champon”
Japanese all-female Punk quartet Otoboke Beaver are an Eclectic Selections favourite since they started getting really noticed in the UK back in 2019. Since then they have gone on to be mentioned by Dave Grohl of the Foo Fighters as a band he discovered through his daughter and who he loves and they have produced this their third album. Though the band now describe themselves as “genreless” and as “chaos music” I think they are half right. Their sound is still made up of Hardcore Punk, Rock ‘n’ Roll and the occasional Metal influence but they aren’t genreless.. yet. However, there is plenty of chaos amongst the intense guitars, run away bass lines and tight but always almost falling apart drums. This is the best produced album of the band’s career and you really can hear all the instruments and vocals for the first time. The drums are a lot more present than they have been in the past and this really lifts the music to the next level!!! All-in-all the bands best album to date.
African Music
Ernesto Djedje – “Roi Du Ziglibithy”
A controversial figure back the Cote d’Ivoire because he choose to embrace American Funk and Disco and dared to combine it with the local Makossa music you shouldn’t let that put you off. For this music will have you on the dancefloor in an instant!!! Funky and soulful, this EP is full of bangers for the dancers and the DJs out there!!! Go get it and get on the good foot!!!
Iftin Band – “Mogadishu’s Finest: The Al Uruba Sessions”
Somalia’s best kept secret Ifkin Band’s music is finally available for all to hear. The band played at the Al Uruba hotel’s Club venue in Mogadishu. Their brass heavy sound with it’s Reggae influenced guitar and smoldering atmosphere that takes from Middle Eastern, Asian and African influences is a musical onion. Good news is that this music stinks in the best way possible way. It’s slow burning grooves grow on you over time as it’s harmonies and melodies find there way into your brain. Surrender to this music and let it take you over!!! You won’t regret it!!!
Kibrom Birhane – “Here and There"
Kibrom Birhane is an Ethiophian Jazz keyboard player and vocalist and this is third album of modernizing the classic sound of 70s Ethio-Jazz. Throughout the album Birhane leads his band through his compositions knowing when to show restraint and when to let loose. This is rare skill and Birhane is a master of it. In addition this is best Ethio-Jazz release I’ve heard out of the 70s classics, a must buy!!!
Majid Soula – “Chant Amazigh (Habibi Funk 17)
Another superb release from Habibi Funk a label that puts out Arabic music from North Africa and the Middle East generally from the 60s and 70s. This reissue of Algerian musician Majid Soula’s “Chant Amazigh” album. The music combines traditional Berber melodies with Disco, Highlife and Funk influences, the analogue synth sounds and playing across the album are sensational, the rhythm section super tight and guitars cut through the busy mix to add further Funk!!!
Rokia Kone & Jacknife Lee – “BAMANAN”
Rokia Kone is a Mali singer and member of all female Western African supergroup Les Amazones d’Afrique. Meanwhile Jacknife Lee is an Irish Rock Producer (R.E.M., U2 and The Killers) and Dance Music producer. These two unlikely collaborators team up to create a subtle yet powerful music that both celebrates traditional Malian music while folding it seamlessly into a Dance Music context. I’ve heard this kind of fusion attempted before and it often falls flat on its face but this is up there with the likes of Amadou & Miriam in mastering this meeting of worlds.
Etran de L’Air – “Agadez”
It’s been a while since I heard a Taurag (Desert Blues) band with this much energy and verve. It’s also been a while since I heard a Taueag album where the quality is so high across all the tracks. Up there with early Tamikrest (my personal favourite Taureg band) this is an album that could create fans of people unfamiliar with or unsure of the genre. Get your desert boots and get stomping and air guitar-ing to this one!!!
Juanita Euka – “Mabanzo”
Originally from the Democratic Republic of Congo Juanita Euka has made a big impression in the London World music scene fronting Afrobeat Collective, Cuban collective Wara and Afro-Peruvian band Malambo. All of these experiences come together to create a potent musical melting pot on “Mabanzo”. The album is full of both emotion lyrical punch and dance floor filling musical fusion, an irresistible combination!!!
Omar Khorshid – “Guitar El Chark”
Omar Khorshid is consider the greatest guitarist the Arab world has ever known but has received little attention or acclaim in the wider world. This compilation is going to change all of that and features tracks recorded during the 1970s. Here the Egyptian embraces an early Moog guitar synth to create his own trademark sound, matching this then new sound with Arabic riffs and his band groovy rhythms. Top notch throughout let’s get Omar the recognition he deserved during his life time!!!
Eamon – “No Matter The Season”
For his second album for the mighty Now Again! Records Soul singer Eamon and production Likeminds weave African music samples from across the labels impressive back catalogue into a tough Southern Soul sound with superb results!!!
Vibro Success Intercontinental Orchestra – “Drunkard”
Album is a recently uncovered gem bringing together Afrobeat, Soukous and Psychedelic Rock to make a hearty musical stew!!! This one is both heady and irresistibly danceable!!! Check it out now!!
Latin American Music
Conjunto Ingeniera - “Conjunto Ingeniera"
Conjunto Ingeniera were a group of nine students who met at Universiry in Caracas, Venezuela in the late 1950s. They quickly gained a reputation with their música bailable (danceable music). This was a combination of the big band Latin sound of the time with the sounds coming out of New York at the time (Tito Puente, Machito) & Rock ‘n’ Roll. They quickly became popular & started recording, this compilation brings together tracks from all three of their albums recorded throughout the 60s. Definitely one for fans of Latin fusion music of any era!!!
Vytas Brenner – “La Ofrenda de Vytas Brenner”
A reissue of one of the key albums of Venezuelan music legend Vytas Brenner and high time he was properly celebrated. The album brings together influences from Psychedelic Rock and Latin folk and modern music. However, the Latin influences are subtle and woven into the Psychedelic top layers of the music. This isn’t overly percussive or groove based music, it’s definitely going for heady vibes. The musicianship is top notch throughout though the tunes take a couple of listens to take hold. However, this allows you to sink into those Psychedelic elements even deeper. Go Dig Y’all!!!
Ray Perez y El Grupo Casabe - “Ray Perez y El Grupo Casabe”
Venezuelan music legend Ray Perez (the drummer not the Jazz Pianist) lead many brilliant groups and this one is no different despite only being together for a year. At this point (‘74-’75) Perez was at the forefront of Salsa despite being far from it’s heart in New York. This compilation brings together the groups finest moments and showcases how effortlessly they shifted from the piano, brass section and vocals taking centre stage. Dig, y’all, dig!!!
Guinu – “Palago”
It’s hard to believe that this is the work of a music Producer as close your eyes and you could be listening to a previously unreleased album that bought together Brazilian music greats Marcos Valle, Emir Deodato and Joao Donato. This is how talented Pedro Guinu is as musician and in his understanding of both the studio and the relationship between African and South American music. It is this that celebrates across an album that while it definitely has those tell tale chilled out Brazilian moments it also finds a harder, Funkier gear too. All-in-all fantastic stuff, check it out now!!!
Various Artists – “The Afro Sound of Columbia Vol.3”
I must admit to not having thought much of the original volume of this compilation series. However, this latest instalment does a brilliant job of demonstrating the strength of the links between West African and Colombian music while also providing us with some fantastic bangers along the way!!!
Jimmy Salcedo – “El Mundo Jimmy Salcedo y su Onda Tres”
Jimmy Salcedo is best known for his work as a record producer/arranger on Columbia sister Pop duo Elia y Elizabeth’s albums. However, it turns out that Jimmy’s a skilled band leader too. Here he leads Onda Tres through a thrilling set of Tropical Funk numbers that nod both Carribean music and are lightly Psychedelic. If you are a fan of Elia y Elizabeth or Psychedelic Cumbia music then this is must!!! Check it now!!!
Joyce Moreno – “Natureza”
An album that was lost for 45 years due to music business shenanigans is now thankfully available for us all to enjoy. Joyce Moreno could have been a Brazilian music legend have this album come out when it was supposed to. However, Joyce has enjoyed a cult following since a music found a cult following in the UK in the 1990s.
As for the album itself it is a subtle piece of work that grows on you over time. As you would expect from Brazilian music musicianship is excellent and the vibe is always relaxed. However, this is no wallpaper music it is melodically and harmonically strong and once it is grown a new it will stay with you long after you are finished listening to it.
Do the right thing and get your ears around this fantastic music right now!!!
Nico Gomez – “Soul of Salsa”/Nico Gomez & His Afro Percussion Inc.“Ritual”
Belgian bandleader Nico Gomez had been a DJ's and crate diggers favourite for many years and this reissue from Mr Bongo is only going to cement his reputation further. Touching on Samba, Latin Jazz Funk and Easy Listening it's bound to put a smile on your face!!! Love the artwork on this one to from the Japanese version of the album!!!
This album is one of a number of gems that have been uncovered in recent years showcasing how genres were being fused together at will in the 70s, in this case with fantastical results!!! The music is a melting pot of traditional Afro-Cuban Jazz and sweaty Funk grooves. If your not instantly up and dancing to this then you might want to check your pulse!!! An amazing re-discovery from the folks at Mr. Bongo!!!
Los Bitchos – “Let The Festivities Begin”
Los Bitchos combine Psychedelic Cumbia meets Surf rock and Turkish Psych but always keeping fun and kick ass rhythms and riffs up front!!! I feel in love with them and their sound instantly after watching their KEXP set and end up watching a number of times over!!! Now this debut album delivers on that promise and then some, check it out NOW!!!
Grupo La Droga – “Grupo La Droga”
Originally released back in the 70s this album was recently reissued by the brilliant Vampisoul label. It’s a Moog heavy dance floor aimed version of Psychedelic Cumbia!!! It feels like it could have released by a contemporary Cumbia act like Meridian Brothers or Acid Coco. Check it out and get on down to it now!!!
Amaru Tribe – “Between Two Worlds”
This trio (two Chileans producers and a Colombian vocalist) come together to make a fantastic fusion of Cumbia-Disco but that often folds in influences from Thailand, the Punjab, Grime (one track reminds me of early MIA) and House music. All these influences are effortlessly blended into both bangers and slow burners that will get you up and dance in no time at all!!!
R&B
Amber Mark – “Three Dimensions Deep”
It feels like it was just yesterday Amber Mark released her excellent debut single 'Heat Wave' and yet that was five years ago. Since then the R&B singer/producer/songwriter has released a series of impressive singles & EPs all leading to this debut album. The thing that immediately stands out is her strong and strident voice a rarity in current R&B music. As the album progresses the production and musicianship on show come to the fore completing this excellent and accomplished package. Amber is poised to make a mark on music in 2022 make sure your in on it!!!
Moonchild – “Starfruit”
“Starfruit” Moonchild is the best Neo Soul/Alt. R&B album I’ve heard for a few years (maybe even since Solange’s “A Seat At The Table” (2016). It’s a relaxing listen where each track flows into the next and the 50 minute run time feels like 5. The Psychedelic elements feel in keeping with the modern style of music will nodding towards the likes of Rotary Connection. I will also say that a lot of similar albums get overpowered by their guest list but in this case the guests (such as Rapsody, Ill Camille, Lalah Hathaway etc) are both well integrated but the band themselves are still the strongest presence in the music. All of this results in a tasteful but memorable album that you’ll want to put on again straight away.
Instrumental Hip-Hop
The Natural Yogurt Band - “Dance The Devil Away”
The Natural Yogurt Band are a mysterious musical duo that have been exploring the link between Library music (music made for TV, Radio, Adverts etc) and Hip-Hop since 2009. Their sound is as atmospheric as it is funky. Expect heavy drum breaks, fuzzy guitars, flighty flutes and virulent vibraphones!!! Get head spinning and a bobbing along now!!!
Deca – “Smoking Gun”
New York rapper/producer Deca latest release is a guide tour through all the East Coast styles of Hip-Hop (with the exception of Gangsta Rap) in a laid back style. His voice reminds me of Busdriver though his deliver and flow is simpler and a lot more relaxed. While he is an MC that commands your attention he also leaves space for his production to shine. All-in-all one for Hip-Hop heads everywhere (and maybe some new converts too)!!!
LTF – “Cinematic Wax”
LTF is a Russian Instrumental Hip-Hop producer with a burgeoning reputation. This beat tape is the release that will catapult his career forward bringing together samples from across the former Soviet Union and also Hungary, Poland and Greece it hits all the right spots for beat diggers & sample spotters!!! You head might just nod off!!! Check it out now!!!
Bugseed – “Hefty”
Japanese Instrumental Hip-Hop producer Bugseed is very prolific and generally is able to keep the quality of his releases high. However, this beat tape is definitely one of the best he has put out in the last year and half. With Boom Bap drums, Jazz samples and deep filtered basslines to it’s production is next level and its a memorable release something that you can’t always say of this genre. Top notch stuff, more like this please Bugseed!!!
DJ Day – “Life After You”
This beat tape style album came out of nowhere but was a wonderful and refreshing surprise. Encompassing many genres within its sample sources including Soul, Jazz and Reggae everything is woven together in a lush, upbeat whole. This is music that will have nodding your head and tapping your foot with a huge smile on your face. Once it’s over you’ll be sticking it straight back on!!!
Underground Hip-Hop
Sampa the Great – “As Above, So Below”
As with her 2019 album “The Return” Sampa The Great begins traditional South African sounds to Hip-Hop. However, whereas on that album she combined it exclusively with classic and Soulful sounds she mixes it up on this new album. She begins a lot of influences from Crunk with deep 808 bass drum rattling the speakers and synths craving great holes in the sky. Yet, she never loses site of herself and this bring cohesion to an eclectic album. I also picked up on Ragga influences here and there which complimented both the traditional sounds and Crunk sounds well. All-in-all you have a conscious MC on great form with thoroughly modern yet human production behind her, go get some!!!
billy woods & Preservation – “Aethiopes”
Have you ever wondered what Hip-Hop would sound like if it had been produced byEnnio Morricone? Well, you don’t have to any more because this is that album and its an AOTY contender. Combine that production with billy woods twisty, abstract rhymes and your head won’t stopping spinning (but in a good way)!!! This is the one of definitive statements of the Art Rap era, dig in y’all.
Jermiside & The Expert – “The Overview Effect”
Irish Hip-Hop producer the The Expert teamed up with MC Jermiside to create a concept album based album the themes of Marvin Gaye’s “What’s Going On” and samples of Psychedelic Rock and Folk from the late 60s. Throw in some big break beats and you have an album that twins nicely with Edan’s classic “Beauty and The Beat” (2005).
Tom Caruana – “Strange Planet”
UK Hip-Hop Tom Caruana has made a reputation for himself with remixes and mash ups of classic artists both inside and outside of Hip-Hop. On this concept album he heads into Sci-Fi territory and takes a ton of great MCs along for the ride. The beats are psychedelic and atmospheric but still bump. The MCs don’t always hold true to the concept (but then when do they) but they always deliver great verses and flows. This is a very accomplished album that shows Caruana has serious producer skills and little black book of MCs!!!
Folk
Big Thief – “Dragon New Warm Mountain I Believe In You”
I was pleasantly surprised by this double album from Indie Folk four piece Big Thief. Partly because I’m not a big (English/American) Folk music fan and partly because they have had a mixed critical reception in the past. So it’s impressive feat to create a 20 track album that both keeps up the quality levels and finds ways to subtly subvert Folk, therefore engaging the listener from start to finish.
Funk/Soul
Adrian Quesada -”Jaguar Sound”
With his second solo album of the year Adrian Quesada brings us an update on classic Soul and Funk sounds with a Cinematic atmosphere and an influence from Hip-Hop producers eg. The Alchemist. This is one for head nodders, foot tappers and the vinyl diggers!!!
Charles Stepney – “Step On Step”
Charles Stepney is one of those greats of music that has lived in the shadows of other greats of music as a record producer and arranger he worked with Earth,Wind and Fire, Ramsey Lewis and Minnie Ripperton among others. This compilation brings together 23 previously unreleased songs put together by his family. It's a stunning tribute to the man's musical talent and production here. 100% one of the Reissues Of The Year!!!
Andy Bey – “Experience and Judgement”
Andy Bey is best known for his vocal contributions to Jazz Saxophonist Gary Bartz albums. However, the man is more than worthy of a solo album as this reissue shows in spades. This is spiritual Soul Jazz with a Funky kick to it. Think of classic Bill Withers, Roy Ayers and Barry White at his Funkiest/most Soulful and your in the right ball park. A fantastic album get another chance at getting some shine!!!
Kiyoshhi Yamaya, Toshiko Yonekawa & Kifu Mitsuhashi - “Wamono Groove: Shukuhacki & Koto Jazz Funk ‘76”
This compilation brings together the work of three artists who collectively and individually pioneered a style of Jazz Funk that incorporated traditional Japanese instruments such as the Koto. It's a wonderful combination of musical styles and instrumentation tight drums, funky bass lines and smooth chord progressions back the traditional melodies that weave their way in and out of the music. Sublime stuff!!!
Calibro 35 – “Traditori Di Tutti”
Now usually anything that you can put the word Prog in front of is an instant no from me. However, the only way to describe this incredible soundtrack by Italian legends Calibro 35 is Prog Funk. Thankfully, the band don’t get into the noddly nonsense that I hate in that (or any other genre) and instead go for diamond hard riffs!!! Throw in the in the pocket rhythm section and lashing of piping organ and the next you know there is a whole hard boiled crime movie playing out in your head.
Techno/Electro
Videosex – “Videosex84”
This album is a New Wave/Electro Pop gem from Slovenia/the former Yugoslavia. It doesn’t disappoint recalling the dirty yet poppy sound of the era. You can almost smell the VHS tapes!!! If you still need your Stranger Things fix then this will sort you out!!!
The Allegorist – “Blind Emperor”
I’m not the biggest fan of Techno as it all tends to sound very similar. However, every so often I hear something that captures my attention. This album of cinematic Ambient Techno is one of those releases. The subtle movement of it synth strings keeps the listener engaged and the dark atmosphere remind me of more recent releases by The Field which is high praise as that is an artist who always delivers in this genre.
Juliana & Matias Aguayo – “Que Si El Mundo” EP
I remember discovering Matias Aguayo’s organic take on Techno back in 2009 when he released his “Ay Ay Ay” album which he created from top to bottom with just his voice. This EP is a different proposition dark without even becoming heavy it’s as much about atmosphere as it is percussion and forward momentum. It makes sense when you read the duo’s description of their own work and how it takes in influences such as “Twin Peaks” composer Angleo Badalementi and Industrial Electronic cult heroes Coil. It’s a layered, heady experience that keeps the human at the forefront throughout its run time.
https://musicacomeme.com/album/que-si-el-mundo
Charlotte Adigery & Bolis Pupul – “Topical Dancer”
I first discovered Charlotte Adigery back in 2017 in the build up to the fantastic “Patenipat” EP. This the album I’ve been waiting for ever since and it delivers in spades!!! Musically it brings together Techno, Electro-Disco, EBM and Synth-Pop for a minimal and European sound that celebrates the best sounds of the 80s. On the lyrical front there is a lot of sharp socio-political satire and sarcasm which is pointedly delivered with expert timing by Adigery. Add in catchy riffs/hooks and you a parallel universe Dance-Pop hit record!!! I always Adigery had the potential to back through and she still does but through no fault of her own she might not fit into the current Pop/Club music climate despite the on trend 80’s revival sounds. However, y’all need to get this album in your life!!! You’ll thank me (and Charlotte and Bolis) for it!!!
https://charlotteandbolis.bandcamp.com/album/topical-dancer
Various Artists - “Sintesis Moderna: An Alternative Version of Argentinian Music 1980-1990”
This is the compilation of the Year and brings together 1 and half hours of 80’s Electronic music across a range of genres. The quality on display is incredibly high and maintained throughout the full run time. One for those who love a great Synth riff and/or a Dancefloor filler!!!
Psychedelic Rock/Pop
Gaye Su Akyol – “Anadolu Ejderi”
On her fourth album Gaye Su Akyol takes the classic sounds of Turkish Psyche and puts them in blender with modern Dance music, Hip-Hop and Bhangra influences to bring it 100% up to date. This is an invigorating and visceral new take on music that’s been around for over 50 years. Like Turkish Psych legend Selda Bagcan before her Akyol could charm snakes out of the trees such is the power of her charm and the strength of her music top to bottom!!! Get yer ears round this music now!!!
Skinshape – “Nostalgia”
Skinshape has produced some top tunes in his Neo-Psychedelia meets World Music fusion over the years but never really an album where the quality is sustained throughout. That changes with “Nostalgia” where he ups his melody writing game and the production is sharper and punchier, all making the tunes stronger and more memorable. He isn’t going to writing for Pop stars any time soon but you’ll be humming along for a while after each playback.
https://skinshape.bandcamp.com/album/nostalgia
Penza Penza – “Neatherthal Rock”
Penza Penza is a fictional Psychedelic Rock that is in fact Estonian composer/producer/multi instrumentalist Misha Panfilov whose probably most famous for the two albums of Library music he recorded with breakbeat fanatic Shawn Lee. While this album stays mostly in the fuzz Funk lane, it does venture into other territory on tracks like ‘Stompin’ & Motork’n’ a fanatastic homage to the rhythms of Krautrock pioneers Kraftwerk and Neu! Panfilov gets the sound spot on through out and this grooves like a bad thing throughout!!!
Popol Vuh – “Agape-Agage (Love-Love)"
Popol Vuh are best known for their spiritually influence Kosmische Musik that was often used to score the films of Werner Herzog in the 70s. This album comes towards the end of the fantastical decade plus run of scores and original albums. It places a fine balance between modern synthesised sounds and processed electric guitars but always keeps melody at the centre of everything. One for lovers of ambient music and scores alike!!!
The Soundcarriers – “Wilds”
I’ll admit I wasn’t convinced by The Soundcarriers last album back in 2014. But I’ve been won around by this album that is underpinned and driven on by the Motorik rhythm section. It would lazy to compare this band to Stereolab and I would see they are closer on this album at least to Silver Apples, Faust and Neu!. While the rhythm section is the first thing that stood out there is plenty going melodically and that’s what helps the band escape any accusations of being a one trick pony. I didn’t know I need an injection of top notch Krautrock in my life but I’m glad I got it.
Golden Bug – “Piscolabis”
French Electronic music producer Golden Bug music moves at a slower pace than most Electronic music. However, because of his great skill both's composition but also in terms of sonic manipulation he is able to create engaging and satisfying music across the whole this album. Synth bass lines pulse and throb, his lead lines are Dubby and Psychedelic and a large cast of collaborators help to keep things fresh. In some ways this is a twist on the Hypnagogic Pop of the likes of Sun Araw but Golden Bug put his own twist on it!!!
Lalalar – “Bi Cinnete Bakar”
At Eclectic Selections we’re big fans of Turkish Psych old and new. This debut album is no exception to that rule and updates the genre by fitting it out with a new Dance music chassis!!! The beats switch between upbeat and heavy and Industrial, but the tunes are always spot on. They blend with well with the classic sounds of genre, Fuzz guitar, Electric Sas, Middle Eastern-sounding strings and delayed analogue synth riffs and stabs!!! The album is dynamic with more spacious tracks complimenting the huge bangers!!! A great debut album that promises this will be a band to watch now and in the future!!!
Luna Li – “Duality”
Multi Instrumentalist and Producer Luna Li has produced a wonderful album of organic Dream Pop that has both one foot in the nostalgia and another well and truly in the present day with influences from contemporary genres such as Lo-Fi Hip-Hop. Listening to the album is wonderful way to spend 40 minutes and showcases an exceptionally talented young artist. She has set the bar high but Luna Li has a bright future!!!
Alt. Rock/Indie
Personal Trainer – “Big Love Blanket"
There has been a renaissance of Indie/Alt. Rock sounds of the late 80s and 90s in recent years. Personal Trainer’s new album is the latest album to celebrate this era and it's sound. The band brilliantly recreates all the sounds and song types and they so good at it that it always feel like a homage rather than a pastiche. Super sticky riffs and hooks and mosh well rhythms will have you smiling from ear to ear!!! What more could you want?
Queen Kwong – “Couples Only”
I’ve been very much in the mood for some Alternative Rock recently and this album really scratches that retro 90s itch. The album is written in the wake lead singer and guitarist Carré Kwong Callaway divorce from Limp Bizkit’s Wes Borland. But don’t let that put you off. Whether spitting bile over razor sharp riffs or reflecting during a torch song the music is also top notch. It;s no surprise when you read who else is in the band Joe Cardamone of The Icarus Line, The Cure’s Roger O’Donnell, Swan’s Kristof Hahn, and Blood Red Shoe’s Laura-Mary Carter. It’s a caustic and cathartic experience and one well worth having!!!
Dub/Reggae
Adrian Sherwood – “Dub No Frontiers”
This Dub compilation album is a tribute to the late Ari Up (The Slits) and 'Style' Scott (Roots Radics) who producer Adrian Sherwood started to create the album with. It's also a celebration of the women that they met both in the UK and around the world during that process. The high quality of both the dubs and the contributions from the ten guests is high throughout. It is easy for Dub to sound similar. However, this album brings a freshness to the on has been around for around 50 years. Dig in and Dub out!!!
Jazz/Jazz Rap
Butcher Brown – “Triple Trey”
On the fourth studio album Jazz hybrid-ists Butcher Brown reinvent big-band jazz the 21st-century. To do this they employ Hip-Hop style of thinking about how they construct the music. So while is played live it's as if the musicians are subtly referencing big-band Jazz as well as Soul and Funk music. In many ways this album is a jubilant and soulful celebration of Black music history!!! If you aren't smiling from ear to ear by the end of it You might want to check your pulse!!!
Jasmine Myra – “Horizons”
Leed’s saxophonist, composer and band leader Jasmine Myra has released a fantastic debut album. While I’d classify this as Spiritual Jazz Myra draws on influences ranging from Bonobo (House/Instrumental Hip-Hop) via Olafur Arnalds (Classical/Ambient) to Moses Sumney (Electronica/R&B). This explains the music’s often ambient feel and how it feels like a subtle update of the classic 70s sounds of the likes of Alice Coltrane. Throughout the album her sax remains the emotional centre of the music while also leading the band through each track. The skill and confidence level on display is very impressive even for a recent graduate of Leeds College of Music, one of the UK’s best music schools. This debut showcases an immense talent who can only get better!!!
Laurent Bardainne & Tigre d’Eau Douce - “Hymne au soleil”
Laurent Bardainne is a French saxophonist who has made his name as a session musician playing with the likes of Pharrell Williams and Cassius among others. This album flicks between hard(er) hitting dance floor Jazz Funk and ambient and emotive Spiritual Jazz tracks. As well as recalling classic sounds of the 70s it features tracks that could be compared to contemporaries like Comet Is Coming and Khruangbin. Top quality stuff, y’all get your ears around it now!!!
Ambient
Panic Girl – “Memories”
I recently discovered German Ambient music composer/producer Panic Girl via Swedish synth enthusiast Bo Beats Summer of Synths series. Coincidentally she had recently released her latest album “Memories” a collection of Electronic yet Organic and always evolving and emotive music. Even on album closer ‘There Are Still Stories To Tell’ she keeps the listener engaged for the whole 23 minutes. One of the best Ambient albums of year!!!
Uncatagorizable
Hoang Thuy Lin – “LINK”
Vietnamese actress and singer Hoang Thuy Linh's latest album sees her punching up there with the best in Asian Pop/Dance/Hip-Hop music. With references to both the traditional music of our homeland but also to Bhangra from India and even a banger that sounds like it could have been made by Basement/Ragga producer The Bug. It's a very colourful album that doesn't waste the note and leaves you wanting more!!!
Moin – “Paste”
“Moin are subtly but brilliantly reinventing rock music. Indebted to 1980s and ’90s post-hardcore, the London-based trio toys with specific formulas and makes them sound like uncanny updates of a bygone era.” The duo have been making music as Raime for over a decade and bring that projects abstract use of samplers and synthesisers to this music. However, the music still retains the raw edge of its inspiration. This isn’t a nostalgia trip instead it uses that music as a jumping off point and utilises technology to bring it forward into the present day. Check it out now!!!