Lisa Batiashvili

Secret Love Letters

Deutsche Grammophon, 2022

8/10

Listen to Secret Love Letters

As you might be able to tell from the title, the violinist Lisa Batiashvili spearheads a romantic affair here, where she’s aligned with The Philadelphia Orchestra and its inspirational Music Director Yannick Nézet-Ségui for the very intimate 4 pieces.

César Franck’s “Sonata For Violin And Piano In A Major” opens with Giorgi Gigashvili’s sublime keys complementing Batiashvili’s gorgeous string prowess in the lovely, sometimes turbulent and always meticulous interaction between the pair.

In the middle, Karol Szymanowski’s “Concerto For Violin And Orchestra No. 1” recruits the full orchestra for sweeping moments of flowing beauty and mystery, where a very bright, cinematic quality unfolds, while “Poéme” is a very gentle affair, where Batiashvili’s radiant violin is quite poetic in the Ernest Chausson composition.

Claude Debussy’s “Beau Soir” exits the listen, and it’s the best track, where Yannick Nézet-Séguin’s eloquent piano helps illuminate the stirring violin that Batiashvili so carefully manipulates.

Love and all its facets and colors are explored here, and under Batiashvili’s exceptional vision and playing, we’re all treated to a body of work inspired by Late-Romantic Literature that will always be relevant.

Travels well with: Hilary Hahn & Hauschka- Silfra; Sheku Kanneh-Mason- Song

Rachel McIntyre Smith

Glory Daze

Self-Released, 2022

8/10

Listen to Glory Daze

The Tennessee native Rachel McIntyre Smith turns in an impressive debut EP, where steel guitar, banjo, mandolin and 3 part harmonies are in attendance for the 6 tracks that explore life decisions through forest imagery.

The title track starts the listen with Smith’s gorgeous, inviting pipes that harmonize superbly alongside the warm instrumentation, and “Queen Of Our Hometown” follows with a more lush delivery that showcases the glowing mandolin and flowing banjo that allows for some pop moments, too.

“The Woulds” occupies the middle spot, and it’s an intimate song with stirring acoustic guitar amid Smith’s poetic and cozy pipes, while “First Love” uses steel guitar strategically, where a dreamy demeanor flows with much attention to mood.

“High School Reunion” is the last track, and it’s full of upbeat song craft that straddles country and pop with an appeal that will resonate worldwide and displays her clever wordplay.

It’s not hard to think of legends like Parton, Carlile, and Ronstandt when listening to Smith’s songs, and if she becomes the next household name in the area of country, it wouldn’t surprise me one bit and would be certainly be well deserved.

Travels well with: Stacy Antonel- Always The Outsider; Lynne Hanson- Ice Cream In November

Sheku Kanneh-Mason

Song

Decca, 2022

9/10

Listen to Song

The exceptional cellist Sheku Kanneh-Mason returns with a solo album, where some of his most personal work to date resides, and he takes help from friends and family across the 21 pieces.

“Star Of The Country Down” starts the listen with just Kanneh-Mason’s lone cello emitting much beauty and warmth in the meticulous bowing, and it isn’t long until Harry Baker joins in on piano for the cozy and gentle melodies of “Lullaby For Kamila”.

Further on, Isata Kanneh-Mason, his sister, brings her inimitable piano playing to the dreamy and emotive “Songs Without Words, Opp. 62/1 & 109”, while “Élégie” showcases Pumeza Matshikiza’s stunning soprano and James Baillieu’s agile keys in the operatic demeanor of the album’s best.

Deeper on the back half, Hannah Roberts, Ben Davies and Max Ruisi lend their cello prowess to the sublime string interaction of the J.S. Bach original “Saviour Of The Nations, Come BWV 659”, and the very stirring “Same Boat” recruits Zak Abel’s smooth voice and hand clapping for a step into singer-songwriter territory.

It’s been a busy few years for Kanneh-Mason, who has seen his album hit the charts and has toured across the globe, and here he births plenty of timeless melodies, playful improvisation and organic musicianship and will certainly gain him even more accolades.

Travels well with: Sheku & Isata Kanneh-Mason- Muse; Christian Li- The Four Seasons

Hank Snow

The Lost Souvenir Collection

Country Rewind, 2022

8/10

Listen to The Lost Souvenir Collection

A collection of recently discovered recordings by ‘The Singing Ranger’, Hank Snow, the extremely influential country singer’s work is actually illuminated by his son, Jimmie Snow on quite a few selections here.

“Down The Trail Of Achin’ Hearts” opens the listen with plenty of warm twang, as Snow’s expressive voice guides the classic country sounds, and “I Don’t Hurt Anymore” follows with some nostalgic rock’n’roll present amid the soulfulness.

Further on, the harmonic “Tangled Mind” uses strategic bass lines and brushed drums in the intimate landscape, while “Precious”, performed by Jimmie, showcases his distinct and flowing voice in a calm, poetic display of lush song craft.

Deeper still, “Tell The World He’s Coming”, also by Jimmie, shuffles with a contagious energy that welcomes strings, and the instrumental “Me And My Fiddle” exits with a lively spirit of retro-country dynamics with, of course, acrobatic fiddle playing.

Snow enjoyed a lengthy and esteemed career that included 80 million albums sold, and inductions into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1978 and the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1979. He passed away in 1999, and leaves behind a legacy of music that inspired hundreds of other musicians, and that, as evidenced by these timeless tracks, will always be relevant.

Travels well with: Bob Luman- Honky Tonk Man; Tex Ritter- The Songs Of The West

Wizrd

Seasons

Karisma, 2022

9/10

Listen to Seasons

A Norwegian outfit who have their feet planted in jazz, rock, prog and indie sounds, the 8 songs here are quite different from each other, though still very much tied to the same creative minds, as Wizrd birth a very exciting debut album.

“Lessons” starts the listen with flowing melodies and frisky drumming to complement the smooth singing, and “Free Will” follows with a firm, nearly abrasive delivery of guitar acrobatics and profoundly intricate keys as plenty of grooves enter.

“All Is As It Should Be” occupies the middle spot, and it comes with a thicker presence of dynamic and hypnotic, prog-fueled song craft, while “Show Me What You Got” presents agile vocal harmonies amid the swift guitar and strategic bass lines.

“Divine” and “When You Call” exit the listen, where the former finds a dreamy place to reside, and even points at psyche-rock nods, and the latter gets quite intimate with soothing keys and a reflective tone that builds into a loud and soaring version of prog-rock.

The band’s members have played in outfits like Soft Ffog, Megalodon Collective and Spidergawd, and they bring those experiences and much talent to a truly unique and memorable listening experience.

Travels well with: Jørgen Dretvik- Psykomagi; Datadyr- Woolgathering

Odeya Nini

Ode

Populist, 2022

8/10

Listen to Ode

A Los Angeles vocalist and composer, Odeya Nini is nothing if not atypical, where textural harmony, tonal animation and chamber moments are part of her unparalleled formula.

“Lala” starts the listen with very soothing and powerful vocal acrobatics that quiver with a wordless fascination that emits a stunning range, and “Double Helix” follows with a more layered approach that possesses as much beauty as it does mystery.

On the back half of the listen, “Submerge” drones with a meditative quality, as spiritual-esque singing is very subtle, while “Pacific Wave”, even at under 2 minutes, makes a significant impression with its soulful and emotive gestures of voice manipulation. The title track exits the listen, and it presents both bare and firm fluctuations in tone, and speaks volumes without any actual words.

Other than the minor use of a crystal bowl and electronic drone, this is entirely Nini’s voice and imagination, and it’s a very abstract and fascinating execution of vibration, expression and profound control.

Travels well with: Shujaat Husain/Katayoun Goudarzi- This Pale; The Crossing- Born

Ethan Daniel Davidson

Stranger

Blue Arrow, 2022

9/10

Listen to Stranger

An exceptional singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, Ethan Daniel Davidson returns with a 12th album, where his unpredictable formula welcomes plenty of help for the eclectic folk affair.

“Even Bad Seeds” starts the listen with a dense atmosphere of hazy folk-rock that’s got a bit of a post-punk darkness to it, and “My Jail” follows with precisely plucked bass that’s shrouded in mystery amid its cryptic, poetic landscape.

At the midpoint, “Let There Be Light” is a more upbeat, jangly effort, where warmly strummed acoustic guitar reminds us of the early days of folk music, while “My Train Got Lost” lands in intimate balladry, as much emphasis on mood is captured by the gentle guitar, light drums and breathy singing.

Close to the end, the thumping “All The Pretty Little Horses” is a bit more rugged with some psyche-flavor and dreaminess, and “There Was A Famine In The House Of Bread” exits with heartland rock that’s steeped in retro-Americana.

Davidson handles vocals, electric guitar, acoustic guitar, national steel guitar, cat-gut banjo, moog, hammond organ and harmonium with much skill present. He’s joined by Gretchen Gonzales (electric guitar, electric sitar, vocals), Warren Defever (harmonium, tanpura), Joey Mazzola (electric guitar), Jordan Schug (bass guitar), Scott Michalski (drums), Steve Nistor (drums), Pete Ballard (pedal steel), Julie Banjamin Peterhans (vocals) and Kara Meister (vocals). Together, they make for one of the most interesting and memorable quasi-folk listens in recent history.

Travels well with: Colin James- Open Road; Bywater Call- Remain

Jim Dedrick

Findings

Self-Released, 2022

8/10

Listen to Findings

The double bass player, composer and band leader Jim Dedrick is in the company of Tom Reyes (piano) and Chuck Ferrell (drums) for these modern and free jazz selections that tip their had to legends like Miles Davis and Thelonious Monk.

“Kelly” starts the listen with elegant and warm keys, where light drums and playful bass lines enter the cautious climate, and “Lugubrious” follows with a very intimate spirit that highlights Dedrick’s skilled bass progressions amid the graceful keys.

In the middle, “Tension” is actually quite calm initially, where the trio work together but still manage to display their respective talents, while “Bullfrog Burp” moves with an energetic pace that just might have you on the dance floor shuffling to its charming melodies.

“Demon” and “Rough Waters” exit the listen, where the former plucks barely before bursting into firm, free jazz acrobatics, and the latter glides with a frisky pulse that’s as stylish as it is memorable.

A recording that is quite spontaneous sounding, all 3 were in the same room playing live, and it clearly captures their dynamic and skilled techniques that make for a very exciting jazz affair.

Travels well with: Andy Adamson Quintet- A Coincidence Of Cats; The Jazz Professors- Blues And Cubes

Deru

We Will Live On

Friends of Friends, 2022

8/10

Listen to We Will Live On

A very unique listen, the artist Deru, aka Benjamin Wynn, made this album with a Disklavier, which is an acoustic piano outfitted with solenoids that allows it to be digitally controlled. Deru then had to sequence it with software he made, and this makes for the piano playing itself across songs about legacy, loneliness, helplessness, love and hope.

“The Way Through The Forest” starts the listen with a warm melody, where much beauty flows with a reflective tone, and “The Wind” follows with a meditative quality that’s rich with gorgeous, absorbing song craft.

At the halfway point, “To Quiet The Voices” emits a hypnotic pattern that comes with as much mystery as it does beauty, while “The Rain” uses strategic and complex key dynamics that make for a mesmerizing and memorable album highlight.

“We Will Disappear” and “The Return” exit the listen, where the former is a bit ominous before building into a rhythmic and intimate landscape, and the latter fades out with a charming repetition that becomes cinematic, almost eerie.

The impetus for this effort stemmed from worsening climate crisis and pandemic isolation, and Deru’s creativity bridges technology with humanity in a way that touches on beauty, fear and art with inimitable results.

Travels well with: Bastian Keb- Organ Recital; Bottler- Journey Work

Jos Milton/Melinda Coffey Armstead

As One

Albany, 2022

8/10

Listen to As One

The tenor Jos Milton and pianist Melinda Coffey Armstead come together here and interpret the works of Robert Owens, Ned Rorem, Zachary Wadsworth, Srul Irving Glick, and Libby Larsen as they celebrate the human connection to the earth across this very artistic affair.

“Silver Rain, Op. 11” starts the listen with Milton’s powerful pipes alongside Armstead’s mature and emotive keys, and it makes for a very absorbing 7 movements, and “Youth, Day, Old Age, And Night” follows with the soaring vocals and gentle piano emitting a very poetic quality.

In the middle, “The Place For No Story” showcases Milton’s diverse range amid the dreamy, stirring progressions from Armstead, while “Two Landscapes For Tenor And Piano” is full of intimate and reflective song craft that is quite bare and pretty. “My Antonia” exits the listen, and it’s packed with bright and upbeat moments, as well as rumbling bouts of vivid storytelling.

The chemistry between the players is quite evident early on in the listen, as they illuminate these works with a very focused and memorable delivery that warrants repeated listens.

Travels well with: Qing Jiang- Dreamed Landscapes; Pan Pacific Ensemble- Ambiguous Traces

Qing Jiang

Dreamed Landscapes

Albany, 2022

8/10

Listen to Dreamed Landscapes

A Chinese pianist with a very contemporary vision, Qing Jiang’s unique vision populates these pieces with old and new textures, techniques, and sonic worlds that are fleshed out with both meticulousness and playfulness.

The title track starts the listen with 3 movements of very complex and mesmerizing patterns, where Jiang’s playing can be low and ominous, just as it can be bright and melodic, and, further down the line, the dreamy, stirring presence of “Mazurkas, Op. 27” makes an indelible impression in its balance of space and mystery.

In the middle, the calming nature of “In The Mists” showcases both bare, sublime moments versus tense bouts of dynamic musicianship, and the album exits with the dancing keys of the lively and spirited “Iberia (Book I)”, where the true scope of Jiang’s talents are nothing short of stunning.

An extremely versatile affair, Jiang weaves in and out of gorgeous, fascinating textures that will certainly strike a chord with anyone with an ear for solo piano.

Travels well with: Pan Pacific Ensemble- Ambiguous Traces; Various Artists- Trigger

Pan Pacific Ensemble

Ambiguous Traces

Albany, 2022

9/10

Listen to Ambiguous Traces

The Pan Pacific Ensemble move forward with their works by American and Asian composers, and this time we are treated to pieces by Naarong Prangcharoen, Kenji Bunch, Ho Kwen Austin Yip, Kee Yong Chong, David Jarvis, and Chen Yi.

The title track opens with much atmosphere, as soothing winds and a dreamy climate flow with much grace, and “Bliss Point” follows with an upbeat delivery of dancing song craft that’s light and airy.

In the middle, “Labyrinth II” emits a bit of mystery and much beauty in its cinematic nature that’s also quite playful, while “The Wynwood Project” unfolds across 5 movements of largely soft instrumentation that uses brass strategically amid the gentle winds.

“Woodwind Quintet No. 3: Suite From China West” exits the listen, and it’s full of intimate gestures that occasionally pause for frisky and lively bouts of exciting chamber sounds.

The Pan Pacific Ensemble consists of Sophia Tegart (flute), Keri E. McCarthy (oboe), Shannon Scott (clarinet), Martin D. King (horn) and Michael Garza (bassoon), and this body of work continues their globally praised chamber ideas with much attention to detail that’s just so very appreciated.

Travels well with: Various Artists- Trigger; Eric Schorr- New York Pretending To Be Paris

Stefan Prigmore

Everything Is At Least Both

Self-Released, 2022

8/10

Listen Everything Is At Least Both

The folks/roots artist Stefan Prigmore brings along Pete Damore (mandolin) and James McCann (steel guitar, resonator) for these warm yet playful songs that pay tribute to their friend and excellent musician Rodney Moore.

“David And Goliath” opens the listen with much atmosphere, as both mystery and beauty are present alongside cryptic storytelling, and “Gunpowder And Pine” follows with light drumming and some folk qualities entering the warm guitar playing and soulful singing.

“Devil Dogs And The Rattlesnake” lands in the middle, and it’s full of intricate guitar playing and vivid storytelling that emits a breezy, rootsy demeanor, while “Lacretia” gets a bit gritty with some country-rock nods you can’t help but admire.

Closer to the middle, “Door Girl” carries a bit of the blues in the rugged yet tuneful album highlight, and “Real Man” exits with a powerful and nearly cathartic exit that benefits much from steel guitar and Prigmore’s versatile vocals.

Prigmore’s got a knack for telling a story, and his cautious yet charming brand of Americana is quite unique, memorable and even stirring in its eloquent nature.

Travels well with: Bill Scorzari- The Crosswinds Of Kansas; Will Payne Harrison- Tioga Titan

Gentiane MG

Walls Made Of Glass

Three Pines, 2022

8/10

Listen to Walls Made Of Glass

The Montreal based pianist Gentiane MG returns with a 3rd album, where Levi Dover (bass) and Louis-Vincent Hamel (drums) are on board for the originals that are themed around the deep connection that MG has felt with her environment.

After the warm, mature keys of the brief “Prologue”, “Flowers Laugh Without Muttering A Word” follows with a hypnotic quality that uses agile drumming to help cultivate a mysterious mood.

At the halfway point, “Mésanges” emits a reflective tone, where light drums, cautious bass and moody keys are quite alluring, while “Contemplating Joy” is highly intimate, dreamy even, as the exciting bass work is met with chilling drums and poetic keys.

“Burning Candle” and “Epilogue” exit the listen, where the former spotlights the plucked bass amid absorbing piano progressions, and the latter focuses on the firm keys that can rumble with a bit of an ominous appeal.

An artist who was classically trained but now spends most of her time in modern jazz territory, there's plenty of grooves, richness and strong lyricism in these genuine, harmonic and dissonant gems.

Travels well with: Rafael Zalvidar- Rumba; Chet Doxas- Rich In Symbolism II

Kaeshammer

The Warehouse Sessions

Linus, 2022

8/10

Listen to The Warehouse Sessions

The exceptional pianist Michael Kaeshammer brings his Juno nominated skills to 9 jazz-soul songs here, where he’s accompanied by David Piltch on bass and Johnny Vidacovich behind the drum kit.

“You Got It In Your Soulness” starts the listen with bright keys, playful drumming and bouncy bass lines in the lively jazz opener, and “How Long Blues” follows with much focus on drumming and atmosphere, where the quivering keys help cultivate plenty of rhythm.

In the middle, “Caravan” emits thumping drums, as a stylish demeanor unfolds with the precisely plucked bass, while “Bourdon Street Parade” is indeed festive, and flows with an infectious energy that you can’t not move your body to.

Approaching the end, “Ramblin’” illustrates how dynamic the rhythm section is, as Kaeshammer’s finger acrobatics help make this the album’s best, and “The Preacher” exits with focus on the meticulous keys amid much grace and adventurousness.

An album of all first takes, Kaeshammer and company bring funk, gospel and boogie woogie moments to their timeless jazz template, and it makes for a listen is just as much fun to listen to as it probably was to make.

Travels well with: Derrick Procell- Hello Mojo!; Dave Weld- Nightwalk

Rory Block

Ain’t Nobody Worried

Stony Plain, 2022

9/10

Listen to Ain’t Nobody Worried

The esteemed blues artist Rory Block releases the third volume of her Power Women of the Blues Series, and it’s perhaps her most ambitious yet, where interpretations of classics by legendary females and a Block original are fleshed out in her inimitable fashion.

“I’ll Take You There” opens with warm vocal scatting, before Block’s soaring pipes sing with much soul amid the well timed drum programming in the Mavis Staples’ tune, and “Midnight Train To Georgia” follows with breezy melodies and gospel flavored backing vocals to illuminate the Gladys Knight and The Pips hit.

Tracy Chapman’s fantastic “Fast Car” lands in the middle, and the hypnotic guitar and expressive singing retains all the beauty of the original, while “Love Has No Pride” does justice to Bonnie Raitt with much emotion in the bare climate.

Close to the end, “Dancing In The Streets” certainly will get your body moving with its rich backing vocals and lively guitar playing as Block tips her hat to Martha and The Vandelias, and “Freight Train” exits with a poetic quality, as a folk influence enters the eloquent and cozy finish.

Block plays several different guitars on the album, and also contributes percussion and drum sounds. She crafted this listen during the lock downs, and they represent some of the most iconic songs from the ‘60s-’80s, and sound better than ever via Block’s distinct and memorable blues skills.

Travels well with: Crystal Shawanda- Midnight Blues; Rory Block- Prove It On Me

Elizabeth Newkirk

The Americanist

Bright Shiny Things, 2022

8/10

Listen to The Americanist

The American pianist Elizabeth Newkirk performs 3 arrangements of orchestral works on piano here, where she interprets the classics with much attention to detail and with a unique poise and delivery.

Maurice Ravel’s “La Valse M.” starts the listen, and it’s a very warm, emotive offering, where the keys can rumble a bit, but also dance with much mystery and grace in the agile 13 minutes.

George Gershwin’s “An American In Paris” occupies the middle spot, and it’s a highly technical piece with influences from Europe, where an optimistic and confident demeanor unfolds amid incredible dexterity and restraint from Newkirk’s fingers.

The album exits on William Grant Still’s “Africa: A Suite For Solo Piano” and it welcomes both pop and classical ideas into its 3 movements that can be stirring, animated and melodic as it emits artistic and blues friendly moments, too.

This is Newkirk’s solo debut, and she captures the spirit of the compositions with much allure and timelessness that will be sure to captivate ears that are drawn to piano music.

Travels well with: William Grant Still- Summerland; Stephen Sondheim- A Little Night Music (Suite For Violin And Piano)

Various Artists

Trigger

Albany, 2022

8/10

Listen to Trigger

A project that brings together artists and their response to gun violence and its many forms, Trigger uses poetry to address the psychology, repercussions and religious ties of one of the biggest problems facing the country right now.

John Lane and Allen Otte come together with the eerie and atypical tinkering sounds that populate the spoken word fueled “Consumer Market”, and “Bring Many Names”, by Bonnie Whiting, follows with the atypical use of brass and winds, in a very iconoclastic version of jazz.

Further along, Nick Lantz’s “15 Acres” recruits Lane’s voice for the eloquent and very literate insight into today’s gun problem, while “Fury”, by Amanda Schoofs, is a very unusual mashing of percussion, field recordings, and vocals, all from Lane.

Nearing the end, “Coping” consists of 5 movements in the Lane fueled percussion and vocals that can sound like a child’s toy just as it can booming cymbals in the Danny Clay piece, and Otte’s “Three Contrafacta” is prepared piano, electronics and voice in the musically warm and lyrically devastating finish.

Both Lane and Otte have extensive resumes playing all over the world, and are both currently educators. Their combined talents and vision, as well as the critical wordplay present, all makes for an artistic and much needed commentary of just how dire the situation is with guns in America.

Travels well with: Eric Schorr- New York Pretending To Be Paris; Don Walker- Some Women’s Voices

Wayne Alpern

The Shape Of Strings

Henri Elkan, 2022

9/10

Listen to The Shape Of Strings

The composer, arranger and scholar Wayne Alpern is always unpredictable, and this time he’s aligned with the String Orchestra of New York City for 3 pieces the include 3 movements each.

“Reinvention 1” opens the listen with dancing, playful and fascinating string interaction, and “Reinventions 2” follows with a calmer approach of stirring, eloquent sounds that flows with much grace.

The middle tracks belong to “Seranade 1” and “Seranade 2”, where the former juggles tension and beauty with a cinematic appeal that could soundtrack a chase scene, while the latter is quite poetic, reflective and says much without words in its sublime delivery.

Close to the end, “Divertimento 1” leads with a dreamy, rich delivery that segues into a swifter, uplifting affair, and “Divertimento 3” exits with a busy but meticulous execution of very animated and diverse string manipulation.

The players on hand include the violinists Monica Bauchwitz, Lauren Cauley-Kalal, Regi Papa, Sarah Whitney, Arther Moeller, and Kristi Helberg. Miranda Sielaff and Margaret Dyer hold down viola, Jing Li and Caleb van der Swaagh play cello and Logan Coale contributes bass. Together, they illuminate Alpern’s vision with a wealth of talent that puts forth a very classical spin that also touches on jazz, rock, pop and orchestral ideas, and results in yet another must hear album in Alpern’s catalog.

Travels well with: Wayne Alpern- Secular Rituals; Wayne Alpern- Frankenstein

Skeleton Flower

Skeleton Flower

Self-Released, 2019

8/10

Listen to Skeleton Flower

This debut from Seattle’s Skeleton Flower brings a unique, artistic approach to an indie-rock template, where countless ideas unfold in the 30 or so minutes of meticulous delivery.

“It’s Over” starts the quick listen with pretty vocals and grittier indie-rock tendencies, and “My Double” follows with a quick pace of melodic, tumbling sounds where bedroom-pop influences are present.

The back half of the listen offers the horn friendly and marching band style percussion of the jazz friendly “Could It Be”, while “Eliza’s Task” takes a dramatic turn into haunting and experimental instrumentation. “Mirrored Sky” ends the listen cautious yet playful with a hypnotic, almost tribal like quality where atmosphere and mood are key.

An outfit spearheaded by Haruko Crow Nishimura and Joshua Kohl, the immense amount of creativity and precise delivery here make it appear that a small army created these tunes, as tenor sax and bass clarinet appearances add much to this atypical effort.

Travels well with: Deerhoof- Milk Man; Bjork- Utopia