Back catalogue: Funk Soul & Jazz

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.