Ben Shemie – I See You Too
Flowers Not Bombs is the second in a series of grassroots benefit compilations supporting Palestinian-led mutual aid groups on the ground in Gaza. Organized between Palestinians in the diaspora and Palestinians fighting to remain on their land in Gaza, these projects support daily survival, education, access to food, and community self-determination in the face of genocide and ongoing colonization. We began with this one because although Gaza is not currently in the daily headlines the devastation and horrors have not gone away. Essential!
Big Weather – Wallflower
Hannah Sparagana and Adam Howell first met when they were young on Martha’s Vineyard. They lost touch for over a decade, lived separate lives, and eventually found themselves back on the same island. When they crossed paths again by chance one summer, what began as a casual exchange of songs quickly evolved into a band, one built around atmosphere, instinct, and emotional intensity. Hannah had a collection of songs she’d written alone: intimate, mythic, elemental. Adam had the same. Rather than choosing between their visions, they decided to hold both, becoming Big Weather and emerging as a meeting point between two distinct songwriting voices. heir debut album, Gemini is a split reflection of that duality, half Hannah’s, half Adam’s, capturing a creative partnership defined by both tension and connection. Together, the two halves of Gemini don’t blend so much as they converse. Released in June under the sign of the twins, Gemini holds both sides at once: two voices, one body of work, and the weather that moved through it.
July Baby – Sick Summer again
“First time making my own music. Just felt an urgency to get something down that I’ve never felt before. All recorded in my bedroom on Garageband” says Vicky Kavanagh who presents as July Baby. The Edinburgh artists does everything including vocals, keys, guitar, bass, wooden frog, whistling and field recordings, apparently her neighbour T is wood-chopping on Sick Summer again. Five cuts on this EP, all delightful with Ms. Kavanagh sharing a fascination for birdsongs and field recordings.
El Búho – Nuevos Horizontes (feat. Ana María Vahos)
What an agreeable album this is. The complexity and majesty of the arraignments and production are almost too subtle. Robin Perkins aka El Búho was born in the rolling hills of northern England but found his musical home in the forests, rivers & mountains of Latin America. His sound marries his influence of Dub, IDM and Electronica with the rhythms, traditions and melodies of Latin American folk and the organic sound of waterfalls, birdsongs and crackling leaves. The result is a dreamy, deep, melodic journey that entrances as much through headphones as it does on the dancefloor. Alongside his music, El Búho is also an environmental activist, having worked for over eight years at Greenpeace, being a member of DJs For Climate Action and coordinating the non-profit project “A Guide to the Birdsong” a series of albums that raise funds and awareness for endangered bird species through electronic music. About his latest long-player Hogar (Home) he writes, “Over the past year I’ve found myself surrounded by stories of home. From my very personal experience of putting down roots for the first time with my family, to the warmth of being welcomed into the home of old friends with cups of tea and conversation. From the stories and struggles of migration – creating a new home far from home, finding your identity or being forced to leave – to what happens when climate change or war leaves you with no home to return to. I didn’t set out to make an album about Hogar but my music is always a reflection of my world or the ideas in my head. At the centre of much of this is the idea that what home means to each of us is so diverse. It can be a person, a memory, a landscape, a table, a smell, a tiny object, a song, or a feeling that is hard to explain. And now I pass my own version of home it to you and I hope it finds a place in your own Hogar”.
V.I.V.E.K – Grown (feat. Dandelion)
The Escape To Nowhere is V.I.V.E.K’s new LP and the 50th release on System Music. Label-owner, Southhall-born V.I.V.E.K shares his unmistakable expert approach and unbound drawing from a lifetime immersed in bassweight heritage and club-ready experimentation. The producer eludes the obvious motifs of Dubstep to meticulously craft his forward-thinking bass music while employing the haunting vocals of Dandelion and Dego Ranking. V.I.V.E.K’s music deserves a much wider audience.
Gianni Washington – Next
A mystery. Elements of Hip Hop peak through minimalistic beats, found sounds mingle with unrecognizable vocals and mumblings, while a somewhat cheery coda drift on by as synthesized drum loops hover here and there. The final result is somewhat hypnotic, kind of disturbing if not edgy. Are those samples of tinkling bells and piano fragments? There are no obvious clues. The album is titled The Mums and Chicago is listed as home presumably. I’ve listened to these ten cuts on repeat play and each time I wonder what I’m missing yet at the same time I have to listen again. Highly recommend.
Fatima Al Qadiri – 7ilween (feat. Bobo Secret & Lama3an)
3TWI (عتوي) the name of Fatima Al Qadiri’s new EP, is Kuwaiti Arabic femme slang for dirty old man, literally meaning “male alley cat”. The cut 7ilween loosely translates as “pretty young things”. We are also informed that the lyrics to 7ilween play out a shady encounter between the 3twi and his potential clients that fit the description. With the four tracks here Al Qadiri follows a long-term pre-occupation with dance music, gender identity and performance in West Asia. Musically, the releases could be an homage and love letter to West Asian folk music. This is an exceptional EP and hopefully will encourage you to search out more from Fatima Al Qadiri. Their website leads to a wonderful array of links and info.
Pissoir des Dieux – 24-7
To begin, if you did not know, Pissoir des Dieu translates to Urinal of the Gods. Keep that in mind as you delve into this long-player from Larissa Iceglass (Lebanon Hanover), Vincenzo Wieczerzyński (Chaos International), and Owen Pratt (Uncanny Valley). Then there is the sleeve photo…a back view of a naked man with his jeans around his ankles, peeing into a urinal. I frequently mention sleeve artwork, usually because it is strikingly good. Yet here, along with the trio’s chosen moniker and the deliberately provocative sleeve photo I’m curious to know if this is all a ruse to confuse the listener. All three musicians are regarded as talented so yet again, another snag in understanding how this collection of songs came to be. It really is difficult to look beyond the Nico and Marianne Faithfull homage in 24-7. The fact is, if this were a parody it’s crafted perfectly. Only on listening to other cuts like Hotel Grand Amour, Casino Piss and Jack Nicholson one can reasonably conclude Larissa, Vincenzo and Owen are deadly serious. Oh and to add to my hesitation on lauding Pissoir des Dieux with accolades is their video for 24-7, it’s well, it’s disconcertingly amateurish, then again that maybe deliberate. Larissa Iceglass downing shots of absinthe does ring true though. The Pissior des Dieux album comes via Fabrika Records out of Greece, be sure to investigate
Power Snatch – Machete
Earlier this year Hayley Williams and producer Daniel James launched their new band, Power Snatch, with EP1, the duo is back with part two…conveniently labeled EP2. Their music as a band succeeds their previous collaborations on Williams’ solo work. Williams is also known for her role as lead vocalist and songwriter for the band Paramore, while James previously created the project Canon Blue. I don’t know how tall Haley is but I can safely report that Daniel towers over her. Four high quality tracks on this EP. I was almost tempted to use Classic Rock as a label until I remembered that label still summons dreadful memories for me of cringeworthy corporate radio. Do not overlook.
Sorcha Richardson – Sea Pink Moon
Anyone who cares to search back through the earliest volumes of LEM will immediately note that gifted Irish singer-songwriter Sorcha Richardson caught my attention with her poignant music. In fact I raved on about her talent on several occasions. We even recorded a nice chat at one time and Sorcha sent us a splendid sample of her artwork. So, with those memories in mind, embracing a new album from Sorcha is an absolute treat. She can do no wrong as far as I’m concerned. Her skill in crafting beautiful, meaningful music must be applauded. Sorcha tells true stories with her songs. She never steps out of her comfort zone yet even when she almost whispers you know Sorcha’s cryptic observations are meant to be respected. Congratulations Sorcha, Draw The Line is yet another impressive album.
Nównøis – Deep Conversation
“I make music for people who like being alone” says London-based singer, songwriter, producer and sound designer, Nównøis. “I sample everyday nøis to create unique beats. after many years of playing with live bands, I stepped into my full power as a one-man-project, making trip-hop adjacent music for an inner Journey.” Originally from Hungry and formally know as NAGYEDi the striking artist has a number of videos available, in particular Live From The Corner where Nównøis performs three songs from the corner where a lot of her music is made, featuring the first live appearance of Nøispatch — a wearable midi controller she designed and built as part of developing her live show. I’m intrigued by this artist, her music-making and sensual moves. About EP2-Deep Conversation she says, “I wrote these songs at different phases of my life. I’m not sure why I had to wait before finally finishing them, but here they are — scripts of deep conversations with the only person who might fully understand me: myself. and imagined conversations with others. maybe you.” Do make sure you also visit Nównøis’s website for even more cool information and visuals. Impressed!
Charlie Noordewier – Joy And Despair
Someone made a bold and correct decision to open Joy And Despair without any instrumentation for the first few seconds as Noordewier’s remarkable voice immediately catches your attention. And what a voice, kind-of-well-used sounding, distinctive yet almost familiar. This being Charlie Noordewier’s first EP a few imperfections can be accepted which should explain why the title cut Joy And Despair is by far the strongest. Having said that, I’m not so sure about the inclusion of the (synthesized?) strings. But, I’m happy to report I discovered an acoustic version plus a live full band version. Joy And Despair is an excellent song even though a few of the lyrics are a wee bit awkward, “until death do us part”. I’m certainly going to look out for more from Charlie. A quick observation: I would like to hear Joy And Despair in the hands of a female vocalist…perhaps you have an idea who I mean?
Fifi Rong – Nothing Humbles Like Time
Written, produced, mastered, and performed by Fifi Rong, Nothing Humbles Like Time is from the spoken word album, Ruin To Dawn. Chinese-British vocalist, songwriter, and producer FiFi Rong blends emotional vulnerability and her cultural heritage into her Avant-Pop vision. Known for collaborations with Skepta, Tricky, and more, she’s recognized for her paradigm-pushing sound and spellbinding live shows. Listen to this LP on a good headset in a candle-lit room after digesting Indica gummy(s).
Luki – Such A Small Love
I’m going to be honest – I really wanted to not like this one. Lucy Duncan’s (as Luki) voice has all the majesty of a theatrical musical singer’s range. Annoyingly perfect! Yet how she grasps hold of Scott Walker’s Such A Small Love I have to admire her boldness. Luki is the experimental-pop project of singer/composer Duncan and collaborator/co-producer NIAC. They frequently work with songwriter Robbie Ellen. We are told Luki’s music takes inspiration from post-punk experimentalism, baroque pop, and the odd edges of musical theatre. They also reveal that Luki records in studios, attics and kitchens, from under duvets and out in the woods. Possibly more info than we need, although you really should take a moment to investigate the EP, Old Feelings.
Goodbye Castle – The Last Man On Earth (feat. An Nishihara)
Goodbye Castle is a Japan-based project, operating between Tokyo and Ehime. Their music is arranged around the expressive piano of Polish pianist Magdalena Constance Zuk, with additional piano by Japanese multi-genre pianist Shinichiro Sudo, violin by Bertrand Kulik, and guitar by Mikołaj Poncyljusz. Goodbye Castle suggests each song explores a different facet of the same question: how do we remain authentic in a world that constantly reshapes identity? The four songs on the Solitude Of An Angel EP inhabit the fragile space between who we are and who we are expected to become say the artists. Do make sure to visit the Yuria & Erika Sisters website for more insight of the gorgeousness inspiring this work.
Postures – Cinder And Smoke
This is a good ‘un! Troy Sheehan, Dan Oke, Bridget Chilver and Reuben Dyer are Postures out of Melbourne/Naarm. Slowly is their debut album resplendent with nine keenly crafted songs. Cinder And Smoke is my favorite with Rabbits a delightful runner-up. Much to enjoy here including notable and amusing artwork by Sassy Park. I would love to see these folks live.
Photo by Norman B. “Jesus as a bath plug” taken at the home of John F, Shrewsbry, Shropshire. Courtesy of Norman B’s collection
The Life Elsewhere YouTube Channel is now available