Xose Miguélez

Contradictio

Origin, 2022

8/10

Listen to Contradictio

The Spain native Xose Miguélez brings his inimitable saxophone playing to this worldly listen, where Jean-Michel Pilc, Marcos Cavaleiro and Carlos Barretto are along for the occasion.

“Meniña” starts the listen with a traditional Galician song, where Barretto’s precisely plucked double bass and Miguélez’s soulful sax help cultivate a very cultured jazz setting, and “You And The Night And The Music” follows with frisky drumming from Cavaleiro helping guide the atypical rhythm of the bass heavy climate.

“Someday My Monk Will Come” occupies the middle spot and showcases Pilc’s agile piano playing alongside the bright brass acrobatics, while “But Not For Me” builds into a dynamic and meticulously layered album highlight where all the members display their respective talent in spades.

Nearing the end, “Galicia” brings a calm, intimate moment that’s full of stirring sax and graceful keys, and “Ontology” exits with a duo between Miguélez and Pilc that illustrates a tremendous amount of talent.

A very exciting mix of standards and originals, Miguélez and company produce very classic jazz sounds that are spontaneous, inspirational and very modern in their charming delivery.

Travels well with: John Stowell/Dave Glenn & The Hawcaptak Quartet- Violin Memory; Hal Galper Trio- Invitation To Openness

Gary Brumburgh

Full Circle

Cafe Pacific, 2022

8/10

Listen to Full Circle

The vocalist Gary Brumburgh goes back to his roots in musical theater with these charming jazz interpretations of tunes from shows like Cabaret, Company, Fiddler on the Roof and others, and he’s got some serious talent backing him.

“Everybody’s Gotta Be Somewhere” opens the listen with Danny Janklow’s swift sax and Christian Euman’s frisky drumming in the smooth jazz climate, and “Celebration” follows with warm piano from Jamieson Trotter as Brumburgh’s cozy vocals guide the breezy landscape that flirts with the blues.

In the middle, “Happy Talk” showcases playful bass lines from Gabe Davis, where Brumburgh’s expressive pipes help make this the album’s best, while “Sorry-Grateful” moves with a calm, sublime spirit of lush and poetic song craft.

Deeper still, “I’m Glad To See You’ve Got What You Want” matches Brumburgh’s sophisticated singing with equally mature musicianship in the swing demeanor, and “Far From The Home I Love” recruits Ross Garen’s well timed harmonica for the dreamy finish.

Brumburgh has spent much time in theater over the years, and some of these songs are even from shows in which he performed. Together with the all star cast present, he puts an updated twist on these classics, essentially making them even more enjoyable.

Travels well with: The Matt Gordy Jazz Tonite Sextet- Be With Me; The Dave Wilson Quartet- Stretching Supreme

Michael Leonhart Orchestra

The Normyn Suites

Sunnyside, 2022

8/10

Listen to The Normyn Suites

This 3rd album from the Michael Leonhart Orchestra documents the life of Leonhart’s 15 year old dog, Normyn, where reflection and grieving are both supported by a giant cast of players including names like Nels Cline, Danton Boller, Larry Goldings and many more.

“Shut Him Down” starts the listen and welcomes Elvis Costello, Joshua Redman & JSWISS to the punchy, rock’n’roll flavored jazz setting that benefits from stylish guitar lines and frisky drumming, and the title track follows with 5 segments that covers the stages of grieving. “Denial” leads with bright brass and playful bass lines, and it isn’t long until “Nostalgia” emits ambient string manipulation.

Deeper into the listen, “The Normyn Suite #2” surrounds love and loss with both a dreamy atmosphere as well as intimate strings, while “Newspaper Pane” brings back Costello with Bill Frisell for a more ominous angle before segueing into a beat driven and very modern approach.

The final track, “Wayne Shorter”, exits on a very high note, where Donny McCaslin’s soulful sax and Leonhart’s drums meet at a very adventurous intersection of exciting jazz prowess.

Leonhart plays no less than 10 instruments on the album, and his esteemed help make for a diverse, meticulous and timeless tribute to the mini dachshund named Normyn.

Travels well with: The Grace Fox Big Band- Eleven O’Seven; Roxy Coss- Disparate Parts

John Stowell/Dave Glenn & The Hawcaptak Quartet

Violin Memory

Origin, 2022

8/10

Listen to Violin Memory

John Stowell brings his nylon string guitar and fretless baritone guitar to Dave Glenn’s trombone on this highly imaginative listen, where strings occasionally enter the feel good jazz tunes.

The album starts with the warm guitar and soulful brass of “Social Butterfly”, where the pair adds much allure to the soothing climate, and “Remembering Laurie Frink” follows with Stowell’s guitar acrobatics complementing Glenn’s expressive trombone.

Further into the listen, “Stay Right There” brings much intimacy to the carefully picked album highlight, while “Lonely Blue Angel” moves at a quicker pace that’s also got ebbs of gentle moments. “Fun With Fruit Intro”, one of the selections with strings, then offers a quick display or orchestral influenced song craft.

Moving towards the end, the cozy “When Jasper Grows Up” showcases strong dynamics between the duo, and “Foundation’s Edge” exits the listen swift, joyful and full of a contagious energy you’ll want to revisit again.

A listen that’s full of melodic and harmonic sentiments, Stowell and Glenn handle their respective instruments with incredibly fluidity, and it makes for a timeless jazz affair.

Travels well with: Hal Galper Trio- Invitation To Openness; Darren Johnson- Life In Time

Deanna Witkowski

Force Of Nature

MCG, 2022

8/10

Listen to Force Of Nature

The 7th album from the pianist Deanna Witkowski, Force Of Nature concentrates on the work of Mary Lou Williams, as Witkowski brings some esteemed players into the very diverse dozen tracks.

“Gjon Mili Jam Session” leads the listen with Clay Jenkins’ trumpet, Scott Latzky’s drums and Daniel Foose’s bass making for a spirited version of free jazz, and “Aries (From Zodiac Suite)” follows with Witkowski’s finger acrobatics cultivating a very elegant yet playful early album highlight.

Elsewhere, “Lonely Moments” illustrates the dynamic strength of the rhythm section as the trumpet provides plenty of adventurousness, while “What’s Your Story Morning Glory/Ghosts Of Love” offers much sublime intimacy in its meticulous, absorbing nature.

“Dirge Blues” arrives near the end and places Dwayne Dolphin on bass and Roger Humphries on drums for the cautious and flowing climate, and “My Blue Heaven” exits the listen with charming bass plucking to complement the agile finish.

A very creative endeavor, Witkowski does a great job of preserving the legacy of Williams yet putting her own inimitable spin on the record while embracing the spirituality and timelessness of the song craft.

Travels well with: Roxy Coss- Disparate Parts; Bill O’Connell- A Change Is Gonna Come

Erika Lewis

A Walk Around The Sun

Self-Released, 2022

10/10

Listen to A Walk Around The Sun

An Asheville resident and member of the New Orleans collective Tuba Skinny, Erika Lewis explores love and loss, joy and grief, and longing and contentment across these 11 well thought out tracks, where strings and guitar play an equal part of her bewitching formula.

“A Thousand Miles” starts the listen with Lewis’ pretty pipes in a very warm version of Americana that’s a bit country and a bit folk, and “If You Were Mine” follows with gorgeous pedal steel complementing the poetic singing and breezy melodies.

“Running Wild” lands in the middle and radiates organic beauty that’s got some punchy grit, too, while “A Walk Around The Sun” brings soulful backing vocals into an emotive and textured album highlight. “Unsatisfied”, another excellent track, then gets a bit louder with well timed organ and a thumping, rootsy flavor.

“Love Song” and “Thief And A Liar” exit the listen, where the former is full of stirring intimacy, and the latter benefits much from eloquent piano as she hits some pretty high notes in the dreamy finish.

Lewis recently went through a health scare that could have ended her career. Not one to sit idly by, old songs were finished up and new songs were penned for the occasion, as the outcome of the surgery was unclear. Though some might buckle under the pressure of possibly recording their last album, Lewis shines bright with her classic country, cosmic Americana and indie-folk hybrid that is nothing short of stunning.

Travels well with: Sad Daddy- Way Up In The Hills; The Whitmore Sisters- Ghost Stories

St. Arnaud

Love And The Front Lawn

Fierce Panda, 2022

8/10

Listen to Love And The Front Lawn

St. Arnaud returns with his sophomore album, where plenty of atmospheric production and a meticulously layered sound that's often bright and embraces pop ideas is present.

“Cle Elum, WA” starts the listen with calm singing with a hint of grit as light instrumentation emits a dreamy quality, and “Catching Flies” continues the laid back approach with warm acoustic guitar amid more firm singing and precise drumming.

Halfway through, “How Could I Ever Compare” tips its hat to ‘70s soft-rock with a hint of modern indie-rock in attendance, too, while “Feeling Better”, the album’s best, carries traces of ‘60s folk-rock buried in the detailed guitar and punchy drumming.

Moving towards the end, “Tie It All Together” is about as forceful as he’ll get here, where rugged melodies and angular guitars align with precision, and “Giving Up” exits the listen with an intimate acoustic tune that’s quite personal and poetic.

A listen that revolves around self-reflection, vulnerability and rawness, similarities to Damien Jurado and Jonathan Richman won’t be hard to spot as this Canadian singer-songwriter makes a big impression.

Travels well with: Thirsty Eyes- A Certain Regard; Babel- Yoga Horror

Bob Stroger & The Headcutters

That’s My Name

Delmark, 2022

8/10

Listen to That’s My Name

At 90 years old, Bob Stroger shows no signs of slowing down, as evidenced by this first Delmark album as leader, where Joe Marhofer, Ricardo Maca, Arthur ‘Catuto’ Garcia, and Leandro ‘Cavera’ Barbeta complement his inimitable vocals and precise bass playing.

“What Goes On In The Dark” starts the listen with Stroger’s raw vocals alongside Marhofer’s spirited harmonica and Maca’s hypnotic guitar lines in the powerful blues climate, and “Just A Bad Boy” follows with Barbeta’s fluid drums complementing the gritty melodies.

Elsewhere, “Come On Home” shuffles and bounces with Stroger’s playful bass work illuminating the frisky climate, while “Keep Your Hands Off Her” recruits bright keys from Luciano Leaes amid the punchy drumming and breezy quality that makes this the album’s best.

Further on, “Pretty Girl” showcases the dynamic rhythm section in a timeless blues rocker, and “That’s My Name” exits the listen with a head bobbin’, toe tappin’ good time that rock’n’rolls with plenty of blues spirit.

The contributions from Leaes on keys and Braion Johnny on sax can’t be dismissed here, as Stroger and company flesh out a listen that any fan of the blues will enjoy repeatedly.

Travels well with: Johnny Burgin- Live; Johnny Iguana- Johnny Iguana’s Chicago Spectacular

Catherine Russell

Send For Me

Dot Time, 2022

8/10

Listen to Send For Me

The Grammy Nominated vocalist Catherine Russell clearly enjoys romantic music that swings, and here, along with a large cast of musicians, she interprets some you may have never heard before, but will want to hear again.

“Did I Remember” opens the listen with Mark Shane’s warm piano, John Allred’s soulful trombone and Evan Arntzen’s reed prowess in the nostalgic swing setting that seems like it should emanate from a speakeasy, and “Send For Me” follows with Mark Lopeman and Aaron Heick’s well timed tenor saxophones as the spirited guitar complements Russell’s expressive pipes.

Further down the line, “Going Back To New Orleans” recruits Phillip Norris on tuba for the frisky jazz climate, while “If I Could Be With You” showcases Shane Mason on piano and Matt Munisteri on banjo in the jazz meets the mountains formula.

Approaching the end, “Blue And Sentimental” offers a poetic and emotive album highlight, and “Million Dollar Smile” exits the listen with Mason on piano and Munisteri’s meticulous finger picking, as Russell’s flawless voice makes an indelible impression.

This is Russell’s 8th album as leader, and it sure is charming and inviting jazz vocal sounds that touch on the blues, too, and resonates profoundly with the heart.

Travels well with: Kristen Lee Sergeant- Falling; Alex Hamburger- And She Spoke

Calvin Johnson Jr.

Notes Of A Native Son

Self-Released, 2022

8/10

Listen to Notes Of A Native Son

The saxophonist and composer Calvin Johnson Jr. returns with his 3rd album as bandleader, and he embraces ideas as wide as Congo Square beats as well as timeless New Orleans flavor with the large amount of talent on hand.

“I’m Walking” starts the listen with Johnson’s bright sax and vocals front and center on the lively jazz setting, and “Summertime” follows with thumping drums from Trenton O’Neal as a frisky pulse of dynamic and timeless sounds flow with plenty of soul.

“Anova” occupies the middle spot, and benefits much from Johnson’s agile brass acrobatics amid the precise drumming and Ryan Hanseler’s proficient keys, while “Resistance Is Noble, But Defeat Is Imminent” places Alfred Jordan on drums for the rhythmic and meticulous album highlight.

Advancing towards the end, “Streetcar Love” showcases sublime singing from Erica Falls that soars powerfully, and “Life Every Voice And Sing” exits with Jennie Brent’s violin and viola, Gabrielle Fischler’s cello, Evan Washington’s electric bass and piano and D’Wayne Muhammad’s percussion for the orchestral meets jazz landscape that illustrates much creativity.

Johnson was raised in New Orleans, and that spirit is embedded into his cultured song craft that makes for an eclectic and lively version of jazz.

Travels well with: The Adam Larson Trio- With Love, From Chicago; Bill O’Connell- A Change Is Gonna Come

Eubanks-Evans Experience

EEE: Eubanks-Evans Experience

Imani, 2022

9/10

Listen to EEE: Eubanks Evans Experience

The debut recording from Kevin Eubanks (guitar) and Orrin Evans (piano), the 7 tracks here are full of spontaneity and a creativeness that has made the two some of the most exciting artists in modern jazz.

“Novice Bounce”, a Eubanks original, opens the listen with soft keys and agile guitar populating the light blues affair, and “Dreams Of Loving You”, by Tom Browne, follows with much intimacy in the dreamy, even meditative climate.

In the middle, the upbeat jazz sensibilities of “And They Ran Out Of Biscuits!” benefits much from playful improvisation, while “Dawn Marie”, an Evans tune, moves with a very gentle demeanor of beauty and grace.

Near the end, “Variations On The Battle” gets a bit more forceful with rumbling keys alongside classic rock influenced guitar licks, and “Variations On Adoration” exits with restrained keys and light guitar as much atmosphere enters the captivating finish.

Eubanks and Evans, who are both Philadelphia natives, bring impressive resumes and tremendous skill to the equation, and it makes for an excellent first collaboration that is hopefully a sign of more to come.

Travels well with: The Adam Larson Trio- With Love, From Chicago; Ben Tiberio- Rare Peace

The Music Of Michael Cohen

A Song For Silenced Voices

Navona, 2022

8/10

Listen to A Song For Silenced Voices

The New York native Michael Cohen brings a diverse set of compositions to our ears here, where strings, vocals, winds and keys are all present across chamber filled sounds that are often soothing but also carry a capacity for exploration.

“I Remember” opens the listen with dreamy harp from Lisa Wellbaum and Ralph Curry’s stirring cello, as Sandra Simon’s stunning soprano guides the calm climate, and “Prelude” follows with solo piano, where Anna Kislitsyna’s stunning finger acrobatics mesmerize us.

Halfway through, the soaring and meticulous strings of “String Quartet” brings a pair of violins, a viola and a cello that interact with warmth and allure, while “Just A Little Sky Away” places Samantha Britt’s stunning soprano amid Elenora Pertz’s agile piano.

The title track exits the listen, and mixes Norman Fischer’s quivering cello with Jeanne Fischer’s moody keys as both tension and beauty are present and appreciated.

A daring venture that’s sometimes bare, other times full, Cohen’s work is full of tonal manipulation and mystery, which only adds that much more allure to this charming body of work.

Travels well with: John Mitchell’s Quartet- Seasons; Trio Casals- Moto Finale

Joys Abiding

Soprano And Baritone Duets By Historical Women Composers

Navona, 2022

8/10

Listen to Soprano And Baritone Duets By Historical Women Composers

A listen of vocal duets by female composers- some of which were previously unpublished- this diverse listen spans Baroque, Classical and Romantic periods and features Dana Zenobi (soprano), Oliver Worthington (baritone), Chuck Dillard (piano/harpsichord) and David Murray (double bass).

Rebecca Clarke’s “Sleep” opens the listen with both voices delivering expressive and poetic singing alongside the graceful keys, and it isn’t long until “Les langueurs” arrives with a more firm approach of harmonizing amid the flowing piano in the Sophie Gail piece.

Deeper still, Augusta Mary Rachel Dobson’s “The Purple Moor” flows with both melody and maturity thanks to the intimate keys, while “A Canadian Boat-Song”, the album’s best, showcases the unparalleled vocal prowess of the pair in a mesmerizing landscape that was penned by Amy Beach.

Right near the end, the playful, upbeat piano of “Il ritrovo” allows both vocalists to hit some very impressive notes, and Alice Mary Smith’s “O That We Two Were Maying” finishes the listen with an uplifting and timeless performance from the trio.

A collection of tunes that very successfully spotlights female composers who were overlooked in the male dominated classical music duet formula, each of the 20 compositions present shines in its own unique light.

Travels well with: Soul Sanctuary- Spirituals & Hymns; John Mitchell’s Quartet- Seasons

Soul Sanctuary

Spirituals & Hymns

Navona, 2022

8/10

Listen to Spirituals & Hymns

The arranger and pianist Maria Thompson Corley takes up company with the vocalist Maria Clark and Ismail Akbar’s cello across these intense and passionate religious songs that most of us will be familiar with.

“His Eye Is On The Sparrow” opens the listen with warm piano and soaring soprano in the emotive climate, and this powerful approach continues to the more firm “Glory, Glory Hallelujah”, as well as the quivering dynamics of the spellbinding “Steal Away”.

In the middle, the playful demeanor of “No Hiding Place” resonates a soulful spirit, while “Motherless Child/Swing Low, Sweet Chariot”, the album’s best, offers a poetic and gorgeous display of graceful keys and flawless singing.

Deeper still, “His Name Is So Sweet” rumbles with a charged personality, but still finds intimate places to reside, and “Wade In The Water” exits the listen with a stylish and timeless execution of uplifting song craft.

The album was actually recorded in a church in Georgia, and these songs are as relevant today as they were a century ago. Corley, Clark and Akbar put their inimitable spin on the classics, and it sure does make for an empowering effort.

Travels well with: John Mitchell’s Quartets- Seasons; Trio Casals- Moto Finale

Angela Verbrugge

Love For Connoisseurs

Gut String, 2022

8/10

Listen to Love For Connoisseurs

The Canadian jazz vocalist Angela Verbrugge knows her way around a song that’s bebop, traditional pop, and American songbook/cabaret friendly, and here along with Miles Black (piano), Jodi Proznick (bass), Joel Fountain (drums), and Dave Say (sax) she brings us 12 spirited tracks.

The charming title track starts the listen with Verbrugge’s pretty, warm vocals guiding the piano acrobatics and soulful drumming, and “Enough’s Enough” follows with frisky upright bass and precise keys alongside the playful singing.

The middle tracks are some of the best, and include the firm and melodic “Cold And Hot Blues”, while “Corn On The Cob” is a quirky and romantic love song that also might make you hungry. “Not Here, Not Now” is the album’s best, and illustrates Verbrugge’s impressive range in a tune about infidelity.

Advancing towards the end, “Quarantine” showcases the strong sax playing in a very topical song about the pandemic, and “Maybe Now’s The Time” exits the listen with help from Jodi Proznick’s incredible bass amid the lively vocal scatting.

Verbrugge is just as skilled at writing lyrics as she is singing, and this debut will certainly turn many ears her way as it’s top notch modern jazz.

Travels well with: Roseanna Vitro- Sing A Song Of Bird; Alexis Cole- Sky Blossom: Songs From My Tour Of Duty

Hal Galper Trio

Invitation To Openness

Origin, 2022

8/10

Listen to Invitation To Openness

The pianist Hal Galper is joined by Tony Marino on bass and Billy Mintz behind the drum kit for these 8 live tracks performed at Big Twig way back in 2008.

“Embraceable You” opens the listen with Galper’s warm and fluid keys alongside playful drumming and strategic bass, and “Rapunzel’s Luncheonette” follows with a very dynamic and swift approach that emits a timeless jazz quality.

Halfway through, “Ambleside” has the trio working together with much skill and adventurousness, while the title track mixes both intimacy and exploration into the piano driven album highlight.

Nearing the end, “Wandering Spirit” displays much restraint in the sublime setting, and “Constellation” exits the listen rowdy and melodic, with quick keys, tumbling drums and charming bass work.

Recorded during a time when Galper was coming into his own as a musical voice and finding a comfortable place as a member of the cultural community in the Catskills, Invitation To Openness serves as fine introduction for the uninitiated and a must listen for the longtime fan.

Travels well with: Darren Johnston- Life In Time; Jared Sims- Against All Odds

Kitchen Dwellers

Wise River

Self-Released, 2022

9/10

Listen to Wise River

The Montana sensations Kitchen Dwellers, i.e. Shawn Swain [Mandolin], Torrin Daniels [banjo], Joe Funk [upright bass], and Max Davies [acoustic guitar], return with this 3rd album, where the lack of touring due to the pandemic allowed the band to make their most introspective and rich album to date.

The title track opens the listen with warm banjo as the soaring and expressive vocals help cultivate a flowing bluegrass climate, and “Drowing (…Again)” follows with glorious string interaction that glides with a swift, rural flavor that possesses much beauty and grit, too.

At the halfway point, “Sundown” leads with some mysterious atmosphere before the thumping drums and firm mandolin land in more forceful rock territory, while “Bottom Shelf” recruits timeless folk qualities to the lyrically poetic album highlight.

Approaching the end, “Years Of My Life” benefits much from the strategically plucked bass as the banjo and mandolin radiate warmth, and “Their Names Are The Trees” exits with all the members turning in stunning, melodic and meticulous performances.

A listen that meshes the best elements of bluegrass, folk and rock sounds, although this album was recorded in Minneapolis, it sure seems suited for mountain life, and the shades of Americana and psychedelia only add that much more appeal.

Travels well with: Old Salt Union- Where The Dog’s Don’t Bite; Them Coulee Boys- Die Happy

John Mitchell's Quartets

Seasons

Navona, 2022

8/10

Listen to Seasons

The composer John Mitchell finds himself in excellent company here, where the Benda Quartet, i.e. Jakub Černohorský (violin), Ondřej Pustějovský (violin), Petr Benda (viola) and Tomáš Svozil (cello) help him flesh out a very nature-esque version of chamber sounds.

“Spring” starts the listen with the jumpy strings ebbing and flowing between each other as the quartet work together synergistically with much flow, and this leads into the agile violins and moody cello of the stirring “Summer”, which is also quite soothing.

The back half of the listen offers the emotive and absorbing “Autumn”, where furious string interaction as well as calmer moments of sublime string manipulation make this the best track, and “Winter” exits the listen with intense moments laced with a cinematic quality that are met with introspective bouts of grace.

The seasons are all represented with much attention to detail across this fascinating listen, as Mitchell and company bring much beauty and emotion to the changing of seasons in a way that no one else could replicate

Travels well with: Various Artists- Legends And Light Vol. 2; Trio Casals- Moto Finale

Youn Sun Nah

Waking World

Arts Music, 2022

8/10

Listen to Waking World

The esteemed South Korean singer Youn Sun Nah returns with an album where she penned all the songs, as she tries to find some semblance of light in some very dark times.

“Bird On The Ground” opens the listen with emotive keys and equally moving vocals as power and mystery are both present and appreciated, and “Don’t Get Me Wrong” follows with a warm intimacy as Nah’s pretty pipes flow with poetic storytelling.

Elsewhere, “Round And Round” offers a dreamy appeal of pop friendly ideas amid the creative song craft, while “My Mother” is a bit haunting but also embraces a soulful aspect amid the well timed drums and brass.

Deeper yet, “It’s Ok” uses acoustic strumming splendidly alongside the charming storytelling, and “I’m Yours” exits the listen with a stirring climate of breathy singing, hazy songwriting and plenty of cautious imagination.

This is Nah’s 11th studio album, and it showcases an artist spreading her wings while still retaining her roots, where she dabbles with folk, pop and jazz in a very introspective and slow burning fashion that you can’t listen to just once.

Travels well with: Coniece Washington- Shades Of Shirley Horn; Lady Blackbird- Black Acid Soul

Javva

Balance Of Decay

Antena Krzku, 2019

10/10

Listen to Balance Of Decay

An outfit comprised of 4 Polish musicians who have played in bands like Something Like Elvis, Hokel, and Alameda Organisation, as Javva the quartet birth a very interesting combination of post-punk, afro-beat and avant-rock oriented innovation.

“Pad Eye Remover” starts the listen with a sonically charged display of bouncing bass, crashing percussion and a noise-rock delivery that’s chaotic yet controlled, and “Sentinel” follows with African influenced rhythms in the quirky pop execution of varied instrumentation.

The album only gets even more interesting from here, including the cinematic and jagged “Ancaman”, the tense restraint of “Fernandes”, and the throbbing bass of “Bangau”, where post-punk influences weave into the powerful landscape.

The end of the listen brings us the off kilter innovation of “Erebus” and “Kua Fu” exits the listen with angular dynamics in the avant-garde exploration.

If you’re like me and use cover art to give you an indication of what to expect, well, this is a complete surprise and one that is both instantly gripping and utterly captivating. Record of the year material here, folks.

Travels well with: Nomeansno- 0 + 2 = 1; Fugazi- The Argument