The Cracks #5
Recent new releases you may have overlooked
Meemo Comma - Decimation Of I
As we've come to expect from Lara Rix-Martin, her music always comes crammed with compelling concepts, and fifth album, Decimation Of I, is no different:
It's a work based on the Strugatsky brothers' 1971 novel ‘Roadside Picnic,’ a book that was also turned into the Russian cult classic ‘Stalker’ by Andrei Tarkovsky. The inspiration came from reading the book alongside the backdrop of global climate disasters where an environment is rapidly becoming less habitable, all while powerful nations occupy and commit genocide.
What wasn't expected though was the incredible Ambient compositions built on wind instruments, haunting synths and samples, with each disintegrating melody and concrète-safe experiment lulling the listener deeper into the complexity of its sub-plots. (Anyone: doesn't Signs sound like it's been sampled from DJ Food's The Crow?)
STA - Cobra y la hermandad de la uva
Cobra y la hermandad de la uva is the sixth album of Dub-inspired cuts from the Spanish outfit, working melodica, horns and various upbeat electronic effects for the perfect mood music.
Constant Little Ghost - The Yellow Knife
Post-rock but with feeling. English artist Constant Little Ghost crossed my radar when he followed me on Bluesky. The Yellow Knife comprises guitar and electronic instrumentals that go fast and slow and loud and quite (but not like Mogwai). It's good.
Incentive - Pessimist
On his new album Pessimist US artist Incentive delivers three powerful thwacks of Post-Rock instrumentals in the vein of Fuck Buttons.
Dylab - Acid Minor EP
I'm not in love with everything by Dylan Davis, but when the Australia-based English artist, also known as Dylab, dabbles with Acid he's invariably onto something good. In short, he new EP Acid Minor is a masterclass in 120 BPM emo-Acid house. For fans of Plastikman, Tin Man and Recondite.
Jichael Mackson - Wait For It
After twenty years of singles and EPs, Boris Steffen final delivers a debut album as Jichael Mackson. Wait For It is out now on Ilian Tape. If that's not enough convincing, then consider this: across thirteen tastefully varied compositions we're treated to an hour of the finest atmospheric, dubby and Jazzy electronic explorations. It's fresh and it sounds very 2024. A stormer.
Twenty-Three Hanging Trees - Enclin Declin
Downtempo Ambient verging on dour but the French-born artist Xavier Watkins made the right decision in swapping his guitar for sax and violin with his Twenty-Three Hanging Trees project. Over two longform drone tracks Enclin Declin descends the depths of the human psyche, inviting harmony while embracing the abstract. Seriously immersive composition from Gizeh Records (also check out the Snowdrops album).
Ibukun Sunday - Harmony / Balance
More drone love, this time courtesy of English label Phantom Limb, who have been proactive of late (check Disconnect by KRM & KMRU, Saru l-Qamar by label owner A Lily and Fossil Cocoon: The Music of K. Yoshimatsu by K. Yoshimatsu to name just a three). Ibukun Sunday is classically trained electronic musician and violist Ibukun Oladipupo from Nigeria. Inspired by the book Bhagavad-Gita by A. C. Bhaktivedanta, Harmony / Balance sees the artist explore themes of existence, humanity and society through the story of two feuding cousins. Moments of tension are balanced with glorious soaring passages.
DJ TR1N1TY - Astro Girls
DJ TR1N1TY is a new artist to me, discovered through my excellent Shall Not Fade annual subscription (well worth investing in) but you may recognise her other alias saaaz. On Astro Girls she presents a lovely balance of UKG Pop and Deep House, making this 7-track EP an easy one to stick on repeat. Each track is inspired by strong female characters in TV shows. Out now Shall Not Fade's sister label Lost Palms.
Hayley Zalassi - Lose Your Head EP
More UKG shapes via Shall Not Fade, this time from Glaswegian DJ and producer Hayley Zalassi and her breakthrough release, Lose Your Head. The opening title track is a highlight due to its catchy refrain but it's all solid, tuneful stuff.