Review: Marlene Ribeiro's cult status has already guaranteed copies of this will be flying out faster than you can say "first album under own name after years as Negra Branca, a member of GNOD, and collaborations with luminaries from Valentina Magaletti to Thurston Moore". And her first offering as herself, as it were, rockets straight to the pinnacle of career highs to date, a record that's so full of ideas yet consistent and complete.
Produced between Ireland, Portugal, Madeira and Salford, partly inspired by Ribeiro's grandmother, Emilia, introducing her to the concept of "recording things, here and there". The result is this incredible combination of hallucinatory dream pop, found notes and captured moments, resulting in a vivid tapestry of hook-laden songs that are meditative yet catchy, late-night but bright and breezy.
Review: Raphael Roginski's latest album, ealtys, delves into the rich blend of Eastern European mythology and nature, drawing inspiration from the grass snake ealtys, a revered spirit in Lithuanian folklore. This release follows Roginski's critically acclaimed 2023 album Talan and is steeped in personal and cultural significance. Rooted in Roginski's childhood visits to the Suwalki region of Poland, ealtys reflects his early fascination with Lithuanian music and his experiences recording ambient sounds in the forest with a four-track recorder. The album pays homage to Eastern European folk traditions through its track titles, which are derived from Lithuanian plant names. Yet, Roginski's sound is uniquely eclectic, blending jazz, American primitivism, and mysticism. The music evokes a sense of nostalgia and wonder, reminiscent of nights spent on a Lithuanian lake gazing at the stars. Collaborating with Warsaw producer Piotr Zabrodzki, Roginski explores innovative techniques, including "guitar piano" and overdubbing, to create a resonant, wind-like sound. The album features guest appearances by Indre Jurgeleviciute of Merope and pianist Zabrodski, adding depth to the evocative soundscape. This album has the ability to make new fans of a genre many might pass up or not that get that much exposure. This album is worth your time.
Review: The 1973 album Love Devotion Surrender marks the singular collaboration between guitar legends Carlos Santana and Mahavishnu John McLaughlin, resulting in a spiritually charged masterpiece. This reissue from Mobile Fidelity unties both of the artist's quest for enlightenment, drawing inspiration from John Coltrane's work and their shared devotion to Indian guru Sri Chinmoy. Sourced from the original analog master tapes, this reissue showcases the album's intricate sonic landscape with remarkable clarity. The dynamic interplay between Santana and McLaughlin, with Santana predominantly on the left and McLaughlin on the right, creates an wonderful live listening experience. The album’s varied tempos and tones, ranging from delicate acoustic passages to powerful bursts of percussion, are brought to life with extraordinary realism. Featuring interpretations of Coltrane classics like 'A Love Supreme' and 'Naima,' as well as original compositions, the album blends jazz, rock, and gospel elements. Larry Young, credited as Khalid Yasin, delivers standout organ accompaniment, adding depth to the improvisational lines and ecstatic chords that define the record. Love Devotion Surrender remains a transcendent journey through sound, driven by two of music’s most visionary artists.
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