Pharaoh's Daughter

Songs Of Desire

Tzadik, 2026

9/10

Listen to Songs Of Desire

An 8 piece ensemble fronted by vocalist/multi-instrumentalist Basya Schechter, Pharaoh’s Daughter bring their ‘world folk-rock’ ways to these 12 globally textured tracks.

“Asleep” opens with soulful singing and warm oud in the melodic and rich climate, and “Domeh” follows with harmonic vocal and Yuval Lion’s animated drumming that complements the busy texturing.

“De Noche” arrives near the middle and is a calm moment initially before the expressive singing welcomes flutes and no lack of rhythm, while “Lebanon” injects Meg Okura’s meticulous violin and dynamic guitars to the festive album highlight that just begs to soundtrack the dance floor.

Arriving late, “Brach Dodi” is an intimate moment of sublime dreaminess where Schechter’s lovely voice shines amid David Buchbinder’s cozy trumpet, and “Sheyne” exits with a soft and bare spirit that’s heartfelt.

There’s so many different instruments present here, and they illuminate a very authentic blend of asidic chants, Mizrahi/Sephardi folk-rock, and Middle Eastern grooves that surrounds psychedelic, electronic, and baroque influences for a really fun and enlightening listen.

Travels well with: Divahn- Shalhevet; Galeet Dardashti- Monajat

Motihari Brigade

Problematic

Creative Destruction, 2026

9/10

Listen to Problematic

This 3rd album from Motihari Brigade, which is spearheaded by Eric Winston, restores a defiant spirit of human independence in a time of artificially rooted digital algorithms, where each track invites us into the mind of a critical thinker.

“Cowboy Armageddon” starts the listen with a quick blast of rural rock, before the grooves of the warm title track brings frisky guitars and smooth vocals to the bright climate.

Moving along, “Not What They Seem” blends keys, guitars and drums into a rhythmic mashing amid very aware lyrics, while “Heedless Of The Storm” enlists acoustic guitar and expressive singing via the folk influenced protest song.

Further on, “Pleasure Craft” carries a retro spirit that benefits from colorful keys and invites singing-along, and “Someone’s Dream” exits with a heartfelt presence, plus some buzzing, for the charming duet.

Motihari Brigade channels the spirit of George Orwell across this insightful effort that spans classic, alt and indie-rock ideas, where we’re invited to a dystopian science fiction movie soundtrack that will suit the iconoclastic mind.

Travels well with: Motihari Brigade- Algorithm & Blues; Motihari Brigade- Power From Below

Major Parkinson

Valesa- Chapter II: Viva The Apocalypse

Apollon, 2026

9/10

Listen to Valesa- Chapter II: Viva The Apocalypse

Bergen, Norway’s Major Parkinson are back with a 2nd chapter of their inimitable prog-fueled ways, where darker and louder ideas permeate this body of work.

“Elevator Pitch” opens with a quick bout of ambience before “Showbiz” enters dreamy territory thanks to Lars Christian Bjørknes’ floating synth, as Sondre Veland’s acrobatic drumming enters the hard hitting prog climate.

Entering the middle, “Father Superior” blends Eivind Gammersvik’s playful bass into the colorful delivery amid Hannah Emilie Wright Grung’s melodic pipes, while “Viva The Apocalypse!” emits warm keys that segue into an animated album highlight that places Jon Ivar Kollbotn’s gruff voice into the dynamic landscape.

“Maybelline” and “Kiss Me Now” exit the listen. The former radiates a sublime intimacy in its soft gestures that eventually starts chugging with intensity, and the latter is a charming moment of beats, haze and cautious instrumentation.

Øystein Bech-Eriksen and Sondre Skollevoll’s incredible guitar playing can’t not be noted here, as Major Parkinson swirl their cinematic melodies, infectious pop hooks, complicated rhythms and psychedelic lyrics into another top notch record.

Travels well with: Fälaren- Ljora; Lonely Crowd- By The Time You Read This

35 Tapes

Veil On Life

Apollon, 2026

8/10

Listen to Veil On Life

The Oslo prog outfit 35 Tapes return with 6 diverse tracks where Morten Lund, Jarle Wangen and Kai Lundewall welcome some guests to the affair.

The harmonic and rich “Hallway” opens with Lund’s swirling guitar and distinct voice guiding the dreamy prog fueled melodies, and “Waters” follows with Lundewall’s meticulous drums and Wangen’s frisky bass adding much to the textured climate.

“Brisé Volé” and “Borrowed Time” land in the middle. The former is intimate and recruits Jo Wang’s well timed keys amid eloquent singing, while the latter carries a mesmerizing tone thanks to the precise rhythm section, intricate guitar playing and radiant keys via the cinematic album highlight.

“Cities” exits, and recruits Jarle Wangen’s backing vocals as the song weaves in and out of progressive, folk and art influenced sounds that take nods to the ‘70s.

This is the 4th album from 35 Tapes, and like the others before it, it’s powerful, dynamic and full of grooves and a unique melodic sense that few others could replicate.

Travels well with: Lonely Crowd- By The Time You Read This; Gjenferd- Black Smoke Rising

Hex A.D.

Surgical Cuts In The Cosmos

Apollon, 2026

8/10

Listen to Surgical Cuts In The Cosmos

The Larvik, Norway rockers Hex A.D. are back with 7 more of their hard hitting tunes that are both distinct and memorable.

“Reintroducing A Bit Of Heat” starts with Rick Hagan and Rowan Robertson’s thick guitars in both chugging and melodic moments that enlists rugged yet tuneful singing, and “A Bloody Mess” follows with Matt Hagan’s hard hitting drums that align with swirling guitars.

Further along, “Perfectly Fatal” makes great use of Are With Gogstad’s skilled bass lines amid a retro hard-rock appeal, while “P.I.G.” is a bit ominous in its nearly 10 minute duration, where eerie spoken word is met with dense bouts and thumping drums.

“Death Of A Thousand Cuts” exits, and benefits from Mags Johansen’s well timed keys in both calm and busy bursts of the band’s metal and abrasive rock gestures.

An extremely well done mix of old school metal, stoner rock, doom, prog and classic heavy metal, fans of all things on the spectrum of forceful rock are going to enjoy Hex A.D.

Travels well with: Fälaren- Ljora; Lonely Crowd- By The Time You Read This

Fälaren

Ljora

Apollon, 2026

9/10

Listen to Ljora

This first album from the Norwegian folkgaze outfit Fälaren blends many different ideas into 7 really creative tracks that are sonically and emotionally engaging.

The cozy and hazy mood of “Ruinam” opens with Ulf Simon Lindgren’s meticulous guitar surrounding the complicated and melodic gestures that touch on math-rock, and “Leilani-I” follows with a stirring intimacy that makes great use of Vebjørn Numme’s light drums.

Moving into the middle, “Skækkent” benefits from Bendik Nygård Torvund’s strategic bass across the emotive and elegant landscape, while “Convallia” picks up the pace with thicker guitar and firm vocals amid the alt-rock intensity.

“Velora” exits, and it floats with a soothing presence before building into a post-rock burst before retreating to calm.

A really impressive debut, the band share vocal duties, where the songs touch on fuzzed out bouts, psychedelic, shoegaze, jazz, rock and folk music for yet another Norwegian based album you’ll enjoy repeatedly.

Travels well with: Lonely Crowd- By The Time You Read This; Gjenferd- Black Smoke Rising

Lonely Crowd

By The Time You Read This

Apollon, 2026

8/10

Listen to By The Time You Read This

It’s been awhile since we’ve heard from Norway’s Lonely Crowd, and here the frontman Stig Jakobsen welcomes some excellent players for the 11 diverse tracks.

The warm duet, “Wait Till Tomorrow”, starts with a cozy lushness that’s heartfelt, and “Appalling Laughter” follows with Kevin Armstrong’s flowing guitar which suits the rhythmic climate.

In the middle, “Not On My Watch” recruits graceful cello and keys amid Jakobsen’s deep pipes that complement the rich textures, while “So Tired Of Waiting” finds a dreamy place to reside, where buzzing synth and Arve Henriksen’s well timed trumpet won’t go unnoticed.

Closer to the end, “Blue Monday” is an intimate take on the New Order classic that welcomes beats near the finish, and “Morning Star” exits with talking and singing in a lullaby-esque last tune.

Let’s hope it isn’t another decade+ before we hear from Lonely Crowd again, cause Jakobsen’s version of rock that flirts with alt, prog, chamber and pop sure is memorable.

Travels well with: Gjenferd- Black Smoke Rising; Whispers Of Granite- Liquid Stone

Clara Yang

Xmachina

Bright Shiny Things, 2026

9/10

Listen to Xmachina

The North Carolina pianist, Clara Yang, fleshes out an album that surrounds technology and its effect on creative practice with these 10 tracks that host several world premieres.

“Crystal Preludes, I. Oscillating Figures” opens with a light ambience amid the pretty keys and much grace, and “Clinamina” follows with rumblings keys and bare moments of cinematic flavor.

Lying the middle, the bright spirit of “hammers over the moon” illustrates melodic gestures that are overflowing with joy, while “RoboDream” offers a charming and unpredictable bout via Phil Young’s vision and Yang’s meticulous fingers.

Inching close to the end, “DeepConditioNN Redux” recruits beats and much atmosphere thanks to Suzi Analogue’s contributions, and “Hoyt-Schermerhorn” exits with the bare keys making an intimate impression in the Christopher Cerrone piece that mesmerizes us with its heartfelt mood.

An extremely well thought out effort, Yang touches on ragtime, hip-hop, and, of course, classical moments, where an enlightening body of work continues to hold our attention after repeated listens.

Travels well with: Nicholas Finch- Cellostatus; Elizabeth Newkirk- The Americanist

Satoko Fujii's Bunker Ulmenwall Orchestra

Bunker Ulmenwell Orchestra

Libra, 2026

9/10

Listen to Bunker Ulmanwell Orchestra

The ever prolific Satoko Fujii starts here with her first of five orchestra albums, where the Bunker Ulmenwall Orchestra’s talents help fuel 5 involved pieces spread out over 2 discs.

“Shiki” occupies disc 1 and across 46+ minutes it unleashes frantic drumming, unpredictable brass and dizzying electronics that keep us enthralled from beginning to end.

Disc 2 leads with “Yamantaka”, where both soft and firm gestures unfold with strong attention to detail, while “Jasper” uses the winds strategically in a soothing fashion amid the building qualities.

“Gen Himmel” exits, and it’s an initially ambient delivery that ends up recruiting bright brass, harmonic winds and acrobatic drumming for the glorious finish.

A highly energetic performance, this recording was hidden in the archives of the the concert producer Wolfgang Gross. Thankfully this set from Bielefeld, Germany in 2014 is finally liberated, and it illustrates a dynamic setting, where the improvisation in a large setting is nothing short of mesmerizing.

Travels well with: Satoko Fujii Gen- Altitude 1100 Meters; Satoko Fujii Quartet- Dog Days Of Summer

Carolyn Lee Jones

Eklektika

Catn’ round Sound, 2026

8/10

Listen to Eklektika

The jazz vocalist Carolyn Lee Jones returns with a 6th studio album, where a large cast is on hand for the 9 heartfelt songs.

The warm spirit of “Skylark” opens with Jones’ smooth voice alongside playful bass lines and Andrew Griffith’s fluid drums, and “Detour Ahead” follows with a glowing intimacy via the heartfelt singing and light drums.

“That’s What Being In Love Is All About” lands in the middle and recruits dreamy guitar lines that suit the poetic singing and heartfelt vocals, while “Out Of Nowhere” bops and shakes with an infectious energy that’s contagious and upbeat.

Close to the end, “Morning In Crown Heights” enlists soulful sax that complements the expressive singing, and exits with “Hearts Desire”, where the meticulous keys from Brad Williams aligns with Jones’ captivating pipes.

An eclectic outing that embraces standards, personal connections, Brazilian and Latin textures, Jones brings us on an eloquent and timeless journey thanks to her esteemed vocal jazz presence.

Travels well with: Carolyn Lee Jones- Christmas Time Is Here; Alexis Cole- Sky Blossom

Anthony Caceres

Let’s Take A Trip

Jig In G, 2026

8/10

Listen to Let’s Take A Trip

The jazz vocalist, upright bassist and bandleader Anthony Caceres is joined by an all star trio for these 9 songs molded by family, memory and swing.

The lively mood of “What A Little Moonlight Can Do” opens with Caceres’ bright voice alongside Joe Farnsworth’s frisky drumming, and “Elevators And Escalators” follows with Tamir Handelman’s warm keys that suit the playful singing of the upbeat delivery.

“Sebastian’s Waltz” lands in the middle and offers a calm moment of grace, where the heartfelt guitar aligns with cozy keys, while “Blinding Lights” makes great use of Caceres’ strategic upright bass that complements his inimitable pipes.

Arriving later on, “A Slow Hot Wind” blends the meticulous keys and skilled rhythm section amid the soulful singing, and “I Just Dropped By To Say Hello” exits with a soft and vocally eloquent finish that comes with timeless jazz qualities.

Caceres croon’s with the best of them, and his bass playing is no joke either. Together with his trio, they flesh out 3 originals surrounded by interpretations that they make all their own via their jazz meets swing qualities that you can’t not admire.

Travels well with: Rafael Greco- Versos bajo mi sombra; Scott Sadlon- Songs From Thin Air

Built For The Future

2084 Empire

Self-Released, 2026

9/10

Listen to 2084 Empire

The San Antonio crossover prog outfit, Built For The Empire, pack a lot of ideas into these 2 discs, where influences from Rush, Tears for Fears and Pink Floyd won’t be hard to spot.

“2084” opens with thick guitar and hard hitting drums, where soaring vocals suit the giant presence that could fill stadiums, and “Propaganda” follows with Peter Fithian’s buzzing keys that align with the thundering backdrop and smooth singing.

“Airstrip One” arrives in the middle and unfolds across 11+ minutes of ambience and crunchy guitars that find a nearly spiritual place to reside, while “Zealot” is full of a strong melodic sense via the meticulous rhythm section and swirling ideas.

Arriving late, “Permanent War” balances ruggedness with a dark backdrop that’s mesmerizing, and “The National Anthem” exits with a lush dreaminess that invites singing-along to the memorable finish.

A truly engaging experience, this 4th album from Built For The Future injects dystopian ideas into Patric Farrell, Kenny Bissett, Fithian, and Lalo’s timeless prog vision.

Travels well with: Enigmatic Sound Machines- Divided By One; Galasphere 347- The Syntax Of Things

Alex Kilroy

Break My Chains

Parc, 2026

9/10

Listen to Break My Chains

The Transylvanian-born guitarist and singer-songwriter Alex Kilroy pens a different sort of American blues, where his Romanian roots are present across the 12 diverse tracks.

The bright mood of “Standing Tall” opens with Kilroy’s soaring pipes and warm guitar alongside Jarquis Dolphus’ animated drumming, and the title track follows with Leonard Douglas Jackson Jr.’s well timed keys that complement the grooves and power of the melodic delivery.

“All That Matters” arrives in the middle and brings grace and a dreaminess thanks to Berian Henri’s strategic bass, while “My Heart Is Yours” is a scrappy moment that showcases a frisky rhythm section and Kilroy’s colorful guitar in a way that could get you on the dance floor.

Close to the end, “Kilroy’s Ballad” emits thick guitar riffs in a 2 minute instrumental, and “Hard To Let You Go” exits with ambient keys amid the chugging rhythm section and Kilroy’s powerful pipes.

An excellent debut, Kilroy found Stevie Ray Vaughan at a young age and has turned that influence into a blues formula that welcomes classical, gospel and Southern nods.

Travels well with: The Nth Power- Never Alone; Del Roscoe- Del Roscoe

Juan Sebastián Delgado

Tangos Imaginarios

Bavela, 2026

8/10

Listen to Tangos Imaginarios

The cellist Juan Sebastián Delgado interprets the work of Piazzolla and Gardel across these 8 detailed tracks, where some excellent guests accompany him.

“El Día Que Me Quieras” opens with Gustavo Beytelmann’s elegant piano that suits Delgado’s heartfelt cello, and “Oblivion” follows with much attention to atmosphere via Daniel Pipi Piazzolla’s strategic drumming and Federico Diaz’s moody guitar that complements the intimate strings.

“Escualo” arrives in the middle and blends the drums and guitar into the playful cello thanks to the rich and unpredictable interaction, while “Buenos Aires Hora Cero” recruits Krystina Marcoux’s marimba amid the cautious strings for a rare intimacy.

Landing late, “Tango Apasionado” recuirts Philippe Cohen Solal’s electronics into the beat filled and contagious energy, and “Por Una Cabeza” exits with electronics again adding much intrigue alongside Delgado’s sublime string gestures.

Delgado has an impressive resume, and this effort under his own name is full of exciting and creative classical ideas that do justice to Piazzolla and Gardel’s vision.

Travels well with: Antonio Gavrila- Tango Suite Buenos Aires; Miriam K. Smith- Momentum

Gjenferd

Black Smoke Rising

Apollon, 2026

9/10

Listen to Black Smoke Rising

This sophomore album from the Norwegian rockers Gjenferd sees the quartet expanding into firmer songwriting, brighter hooks and an overall more cohesive approach.

Samuel Robson Gardner’s animated bass opens up the bouncy spirit of “Crimson Rain”, where lively melodies populate the climate, and “Bound To Fall” follows with Jakob Særvoll’s playful keys that complement the thick and chugging harmonics.

“The Thrill” arrives in the middle and benefits from Sivert Kleiven Larsen’s acrobatic drumming amid the arena rock ready delivery, while “Stillferd” trims the pace back with Vegard Bachmann Strand’s intimate guitar and dreamy keys.

Landing near the end, “Ride On” recruits spacey ideas into the mesmerizing and dense rock dynamics that make this the album’s best, and “Bliss” exits with firm guitar, a rowdy rhythm section and Særvoll’s raw but tuneful pipes guiding the hard rock fun.

A diverse effort that flirts with psychedelic, stoner and doom rock, Gjenferd’s formula isn’t short on powerful bouts, charged riffs and even some subtle pop buried under the fury.

Travels well with: A Flying Fish- El Pez Que Voló Act II; Whispers Of Granite- Liquid Stone

Niblock Hooker Soldier First

Paiva River Songs

Gold Bolus Recordings, 2026

9/10

Listen to Paiva River Songs

Phil Niblock, William Hooker, Dave Soldier and David First come together for this incredible, collaborative listen where each player brings an inimitable spirit to these experimental tracks.

“Guitar, Banjo, Drums, River” opens with the sounds water alongside First’s warm guitar playing, before the well timed banjo from Solider enters amid Hooker’s frisky drums.

After a quick river solo, “Harmonica, Violin, Drums, River” recruits First's animated harmonica that suits the atmospheric violin by Solider, while “Jews Harp, Banjo, Drums, River” benefits from First’s harp prowess and a strategic meshing of banjo, drums, and river.

Further along, “Drums, River” pairs Hooker’s unpredictable drumming with the meditative sounds of running water, and “Drums, Harmonica, Violin, River” exits with the 4 noisemakers interacting with grace, exploration and wonder.

The field recordings stem from the Paiva River in Portugal in 2010 and were captured by Niblock, and they blend in superbly with the organic instruments, where a self-described “Free-Improv Americana” was fleshed out in “one take without any interruption and no overdubs”.

Travels well with: Kristina Warren- Tusk; Sibyl- Sibyl

Kim McClay

Worth It

Rugby Road, 2026

8/10

Listen to Worth It

The NY singer-songwriter Kim McClay brings us a quick listen of her indie-pop formula that surrounds themes of rage, heartbreak, and a desperate feeling of hope.

“Velveteen Girls” starts the listen with Dustin Beardsley’s buzzing guitar and Jim Bloom’s thumping drums that complement McClay’s pretty yet firm singing, and “Firefly” follows with McClay’s warm acoustic guitar and bright storytelling amid plenty of timeless pop-rock flavor.

In the middle is where the title track lives, and it injects synth into the rhythmic climate where McClay’s range is explored playfully, while “So Close” is a heartfelt moment that benefits from Trevor Brown’s skilled bass.

“Something Like Love” exits, and it’s a stripped back, folk influenced finisher, where bouts of fuller ideas enter the thoughtful songwriting.

A diverse effort that can be emotive, just as it can be anthemic and gritty, McClay’s lyrical content is all substance, and songs follow suit via this excellent EP.

Travels well with: Bandits On The Run- Rough Magic; Amy Jay- Mnemonics

Enigmatic Sound Machines

Divided By One

Progressive.com Essentials, 2026

9/10

Listen to Divided By One

The Montreal electronic progressive rock outfit, Enigmatic Sound Machines, return with a 4th album, where the now quartet expand on their prog-fueled ways with plenty of electronic prowess.

The rich layers of the title track opens with Thomas Szirmay’s distinct voice alongside Alain Bellaïche’s flowing guitar, and “Chaos Dreaming” follows with a soft ambience via the strategic bass from Hansford Rowe and carefully manipulated vocals.

Arriving in the middle, “Pool Of Mirrors” recruits Jeremie Arrobas’ well timed keys amid the elegance and atypical dreaminess, while “Heaven’s Rain” balances calm versus firm gestures, where thumping percussion surrounds the strong attention to atmosphere.

“Inviolate Fields”, the album’s best, brings in Quinn Bachand’s violin and Laura Piazzai’s vocals for the frisky yet cautious 9+ minutes, and “Are Friends Electric?” exits with a dynamic and textured finish of meticulous and thoughtful prog-ideas that we could never tire of.

A cinematic outing that is rhythmic and melodic, there’s a darkness to this sonically engaging effort that helps make this their best record yet.

Travels well with: Galasphere 347- The Syntax Of Things; Versa- A Voyage/A Destination (Round Trip Edition)

Kitka

Kolo

Diaphonica, 2026

9/10

Listen to Kolo

The Kitka Women’s Vocal Ensemble takes us on a journey via these traditional and newly imagined songs of their Kolo formula that utilizes singing in Bulgarian, Latvian, Estonian, Georgian, Serbian, Ukrainian, Corsican and Lithuanian.

“Loomine (Estonia)” starts the listen with the harmonizing vocals radiating much beauty in their flawless delivery, and “Ligo (Latvia)” follows with the impressive ranges emitting much melody and grace via the timeless and flowing mood.

Closer to the middle, “Lazarki (Bulgaria)” offers a cultured mashing of the diverse voices, while “Veni Sancte Spiritus (Corsica)” blends the powerful pipes into an enlightening and profound display of truly captivating vocals.

“Kakhuri Iavnana (Georgia)” arrives late and emits a soothing ebullience that weaves in and out of gorgeous textures, and “Oj, Jak Ze Bulo Izprezdy Vika (Ukraine)” exits with strong attention to ambience, where the expressive singing is heartfelt and memorable.

The vocalists present include Kelly Atkins, Stacey Barnett, Kristine Barrett, Shira Cion, Charlotte Finegold, Erin Lashnits Herman, Janet Kutulas, Maclovia Quintana, Katya Schoenberg and Talia Young Skeen. Together with subtle cello, viola, harmonium, percussion and Cymbalom they make for a stunning performance that you’ll feel compelled to revisit again and again.

Travels well with: David Lang/The Crossing/Donald Nally- The Sense Of Senses; The Crossing- Born

Folk Family Revival

Electric Darlin’

Splice, 2019

8/10

Listen to Electric Darlin’

The Houston based band of brothers return with their always thrilling, unpredictable sounds, and this time around the quartet are headed straight into experimental ideas on a live recorded album that tells the story of 2 fictional characters.

After the cautious guitar “Intro”, the album makes its way into the percussively rhythmic and warm vocals of “Fresh Water” that builds into a danceable folk tune with Samba influences. Elsewhere, “Hecla Hill” brings a darker spirit and louder setting, while “Pro And The Con” recruits acoustic strumming amid a busy display of incredible skill.

The back half of the album radiates a light and bouncy atmosphere with the hand clapping fun of “Here Comes The Night”, and the vocally expressive and musically sparse “Sing Your Praise”. Near the end, “Why The Chicken Crossed The Road” is a soulful, bluesy moment, and the title track uses strategic guitars on one of the album’s best, though, really, each song present radiates massive creativity.

A rapidly rising outfit who are much more than folk music, the Lankford brothers and adopted brother Caleb Pace are well versed in psyche-rock, classic rock, blues, country and Americana, but never unfolds in predictable patterns, and leaves an indelible impact.

Travels well with: Adam Carroll- I Walked In Them Shoes; The Waco Brothers- Going Down In History