Basic Soul

Jordan Rakei’s fourth studio album “What We Call Life” is his most personal release to date. On the ten track release, he opens up about dealing with his anxieties through therapy. In addition he comes to terms with his parents divorce from years ago to finding love. The result of Rakei bearing his soul is arguably his best album to date. “Unguarded” is a beautiful ballad intertwined with alluring strings and synths. “Send My Love” is an up-tempo groover that glistens with warm synth arrangements. On “Wings”, Rakei merges rugged guitar grooves with spacey electronics. Through it all Rakei’s honey toned falsetto shines ever so brightly and provides pure joy. Whether it’s his Dan Kye alias, numerous guest appearances or his solo projects, Rakei’s star status continues to rise. There’s no doubt you’ll get swept away by these glorious compositions.

https://jordanrakei.bandcamp.com/album/what-we-call-life

Global Sounds is a collaboration of artists from around the world creating infectious groove infused electronic compositions. The lineup is stellar with appearances by Steve Spacek, Scrimshire, Afronaut Zu and many more. The disc kicks off in a mellow mood with “Say No More” featuring the blissed out vocals of Bryony Jarman-Pinto. London based vocalist Andre Espeut appears on three tracks and each are high energy bangers. He teams up with DJ/Producer Footshooter on “Looking Back” and pairs with producer Duke High on “Pilolo With Me”. On the broken beat flavored “Sunrays” he’s joined by multi-instrumentalist Mark De Clive Lowe. Each track offers an eclectic pairing that pushes the boundaries that are both cohesive and impressive.

UK Bassist Daniel Casimir grabbed our attention with the 2019 release “These Days”. With his full length debut “Boxed In” he flexes his notable chops not only as a bassist but as a composer as well. On this set he blends traditional jazz compositions with heavenly string arrangements. Casimir fills out his quintet with some of London’s premiere musicians. Nubya Garcia’s soothing tenor aligns with trumpeter James Copus”s warm melodic tone throughout the disc. The title track and “Safe Pt 1” are among the highlights. Singer Ria Moran showcases her songwriting skills on “Get Even” as well as two other tunes. Is Casmir boxed in? Just the opposite, he’s serving notice that he can play and compose in all matter of styles. A marvelous album that’s dramatic at times but overall pure elegance.

On the strength of two impressive EPs, Brisbane native DJ/Producer Sampology embarks on an atmospheric journey with “Regrowth”. The disc is filled with sublime recordings intended to heal the soul during these trying times. “Suffer and Swim” is one of many highlights, a warm and blissful composition heightened by warm guitar rhythms courtesy of Beau Diako and the blissful vocals of 30/70 member Allysha Joy. “Reassemble” is another delight that features James Chatburn’s soft falsetto vocals layered over tender guitar strokes and subtle horn arrangements. “Ten Foot Flowers” starts out with spiritual hymns laced with hypnotic tenor sax melodies that gives way to a brooding mid-tempo groove. Once again Austrailia blesses us with an essential album from their deep pool of emerging artists. While the first EPs featured tasty doses of sampling, “Regrowth” flourishes with live instrumentation throughout. As I was listening to this record, I was instantly transported to somewhere on a beach comforted by a warm Summer breeze. Your imagination may take you somewhere else but not without this marvelous record.

“Conversation Peace”, the latest release from Damu the Fudgemunk is the culmination of beats, rhythms and cinematic soundcapes compiled from the storied archive of KPM/EMI records. The London based music library has amassed over 30,000 pieces of vinyl dating back to 1956. They have forged an arrangement with fellow London label Def Presse to open the vault and Damu is the first to reap the benefits. The Washington DC based DJ/Producer flew to London after wrapping up his critically acclaimed release “Ocean Bridges”. He spent over a week crate digging, compiled some hidden gems and chopped it up. In addition, a few friends dropped in that shared his musical vision for the project. The result is a nine track banger that delivers straight fire right out of the gate. “Power of Mind” is classic boom bap hip-hop armed with head nodding beats, jazz infused vibraphone samples and razor sharp verses from Raw Poetic. On “God Speed” rapper Blu spits over string laden rhythms and beats reminiscent of seventies cinematic action soundtracks. Nitty Scott and Damu are working together for the first time. She sounds right at home over the ambient soundscapes of “Four Better or Worse Pt.1”. Damu is coy about where he uses samples or live instrumentation on each track, preferring to leave it up to the listener to determine. No doubt you’ll spend more time nodding your head from start to finish. Damu is on fire and this is provides definitesatisfaction.

Another gem from Albert’s Favourites. The label spearheaded by Adam Scrimshire, Jonny Drop and Dave Koor continues to deliver with genre bending gems. The latest, “Salvation” is the full length debut from Matthew Gordon aka Pie Eye Collective. The ten track lp is a cosmic journey that explores exuberant and moody textures while incorporating elements of electronica, dub and hip-hop. The opening track “Gratitude” blossoms with cascades of ambient soundscapes fused with sketches of trip-hop. “Assimilation” is filled with compulsive hooks and layered with intergalactic synths. MettaShiba adds her dreamy vocals to the atmospheric vibes of “Hymn”. Gordon’s compositions eases into your body and soothes you with warm emotive synths, harmonies and infectious beats. He’s is an emerging talent to keep an eye on.