Muito Kaballa - Everything Is Broke

Today I would like to recommend you the upcoming Muito Kaballa Album "Everything Is Broke" that will be out 10.05.2019 on Switchstance Recordings.

Labelled a world music artist, Muito Kaballa offers grooves of an Afrobeat persuasion, refracted through the restless energy of punk; kindred spirits Ebo Taylor and Fela Kuti, legends of African highlife music, impress upon his work indelibly. Such musicianship has produced a pleasing cacophony in Everything is Broke, Kaballa's debut album, which takes in his usual influences of street funk, jazz, Afrobeat and just the slightest etchings of hip-hop. Edging out even further in his experiments this time, the artist now explores the nervous, juddering energy of New Orleans inspired pop, running freely the course of the album with the sensual sounds of the city's Latin Quarter.

 Built on the back of improvisation, Kaballa's music employs an on-the-pulse approach in style, where, for every measured arrangement, there is the sense of using every rudiment skill on hand. Essentially a one-man band, Kaballa is as adroit with the various live instruments he plays as he is with the electronic sequencers he uses to loop his grooves. He ensures there are surprises at every turn and his experience playing to crowds on the hustling and bustling streets of Cologne has taught him such ingenuity.

 Sweet jams like 'Quasi' bristle with Dixieland funk and salsa rhythms while a searching, Moog-rippled number like 'Tin Tin' riff smartly with jump-start drums. The Brazilian notes on the chunky 'Lugor Ao Sol' are underpinned by an Afrobeat sway, and the lambent, twilit 'The Easy Way' opens the album as softly and warmly as the coastal waters that surely inspired it. At turns elegant and rough-hewn, these eight ventures into a textured and multifarious pop are very much rooted in the street culture it was born from; the sly, punkish element that runs through Kaballa's work is still firmly in place here. And, yet, Everything is Broke dreams of cities far beyond the ones the listener could ever hope to know. It is the sound of the hustling and bustling of people everywhere, making their way across a traffic-congested city to a dream of elsewhere...
 

Slow Nomaden - Journey

I’m very proud and happy to release my first Slow Nomaden full length Album „Journey“ on 15.03.2019. The 13 tracks represent different chapters on a fictive journey that draws inspiration from different cultures and music genres. Downtempo, Electronica and Deep House mixed with exotic sounds and instruments, following the path of a multicultural fusion without borders.

"Welcome To The Journey" serves as an Intro to more than an hour of music to listen, dream and dance to, while escaping your stressful everyday life. Tropical sounds and beautiful melodies guide your way to the energizing offbeat vibe of “La Niña“. “Tranquilo“ continues with the slow beats and the tropical flavours but adds some trippy pads and arpeggios. "Palmas“ is characterized by flamenco sounds and rythms combined with electronic elements, slow 4/4 beats and a heavy bassline. Tabla grooves and Sitar melodies fuse with cool downtempo grooves on „Space Sitar“. "Sun" sounds like an oriental trip into the desert, where the sun can be a blessing or a curse. Expect an electronic downtempo vibe driven by a deep percussion groove, 4/4 beats and an infectious Oud riff. The mystical atmosphere of "Mountain Spirits" with its drone sounds and oriental deep house beats is intensified through its melancholic duduk melodies and piano chords. "Hang Loose" combines instruments and sounds from the Bosporus with a deep and pumping electronic beat to build a bridge between sounds from Asia and Europe. "Shadows” is a deep Afro House track that is driven by a massive bass line and a Darbuka groove. Mysterious synth pads and arpeggios remind us on the shadow side of the journey. On “Magic Carpet” Slow Nomaden delivers an epic 7 minute Electronica track inspired by the fairy tales of One Thousand and One Nights. Carried by a warm percussion groove, phasing pads and deep 4/4 beats the track fuses oriental vibes with organic electronic sounds to create a dreamy melodic trip. After some more upbeat tracks “Moon” slows it down again with a deep meditative groove. “Seed“ lets us imagine warm organic sounds, that sprout out of the ground like different leaves, to build a new musical organism. On the last chapter of the journey “Illusion”, Slow Nomaden creates a melancholic downtempo track that includes some unexpected breaks, which reflect those illusions we are all facing from time to time in life. Expect organic grooves, electronic string sounds, slow 4/4 beats, piano chords and an other-worldly voice.

Rapossa - Matches

The debut album "Matches" from Rapossa features nine Downtempo tracks that mix tarantino style guitar riffs, slow beats, groovy percussions and deep bass lines. File under Slow House, Keta Pop, Organica ;-) I like it!

Here you can listen to the first Single My Rock-N-Roll.

Khruangbin - Con Todo El Mundo

Khruangbin's "Con Todo El Mundo" was the perfect chill Album of 2018 for me. I've listened to these tracks, that sound like a big jam session, dozens of times and they never get boring. For me these tunes are pure feel good music.

 Here's some background on the Band:

Globetrotting Texan trio Khruangbin present their second album ‘Con Todo El Mundo’. Formed of Laura Lee on bass, Mark Speer on guitar, and Donald “DJ” Johnson on drums; Khruangbin’s sounds are rooted in the deepest waters of world music infused with classic soul, dub and psychedelia. Their 2015 debut album ‘The Universe Smiles Upon You’ was heavily influenced by 60’s and 70’s Thai cassettes the band listened to on their long car journeys to rehearsal in the Texan countryside. ‘Con Todo El Mundo’ takes inspiration not just from South East Asia but similarly underdiscovered funk and soul of the Mediterranean and the Middle East, particularly Iran.

 

Tunnelvisions - The Celestial Ritual

Hi everybody, new year, new resolutions and time to reactivate my Blog again. There has been a lot of exciting new releases in the past year, so I'll try to present some of my favorites here. First of all I would like to recommend to you the 2nd Tunnelvisions Album called "The Celestial Ritual". The two guys from Netherlands manage to mix 80's synth sounds, Afro House Rhythms and Deep 4/4 beats with unique Vocals to create their very own special style.

Here is what the Label Atomnation says about the Album:

The long awaited 2nd album from Tunnelvisions is out now! The album is chopped up into four 12-inch records – Ritual I, II, III, and IV. The album's theme tells of a story told long ago, in a land far away, where there lived 11 chiefs, each named after a corresponding constellation: Mbosa, Nalulu, Ottokar, Imaja, Khan, Kudja, Rafaka, Xoji, Oishi, Mosu and Umai. Each year as the trees lost their leaves and the days got shorter, the chiefs came together to perform a sacred ritual. In this ritual, they honored the gods with their gifts and celebrated the new year to come.

Rafaka's Song is my personal favorite. You can check it out on soundcloud and build your own opinion.

Chancha Via Circuito - Bienaventuranza

Chancha Via Circuito's "Bienaventuranza" was one of my favorite Albums of 2018 for sure.

The Buenos Aires native named Pedro Canale again creates a great mix of Andean Instruments, folkloristic elements and electronic beats.

Here is what the Label says about the Release:

Appearing on the album are heavy hitters in the digital cumbia scene, including Mateo Kingman, Kaleema, and Lido Pimienta, all of whom contribute their highly distinguishable sounds to the natural flow of the album. Most of these collaborations came about almost effortlessly. La Victoria is a track that blends cumbia, dancehall, and a bit of mysticism- carried by Lido Pimienta's luminous voice, Colombian Dancehall wizard Manu Ranks happened to be in town and slipped into the song naturally. Kawa Kawa came from an improv jam during rehearsal one day with Kaleema (Heidi Lewandowski) and Federico Estevez (percussionist in Chancha Via Circuito). Niño Hermoso, which is lyrically a fable, sounds the way it does because Pedro saw a video of Gianluz (Gianluca Zonzini), who he knows from dance classes, singing a Pocahontas song on Youtube.

As dancefloor-friendly as it is mystical, Bienaventuranza is as Chancha as it gets- with elements from Cumbia to Dancehall to Andean Folk to Global house, crystal clear production, and collaborations that are evidently natural and genuine, the record holds true to the sound that Canale has played such a huge part in creating. Since the release of his last album, the digital folk scene has also grown exponentially. From a new generation of producers to more listeners in unassuming parts of the globe, Pedro has been humbled to see the sound develop- and proves with this album that he's grown swiftly alongside it.

Best track on the Album for me is "Ilaló (Ft. Mateo Kingman)". You can have a listen on soundcloud.     

Barrio Lindo - Albura

Today I would like to recommend the new Barrio Lindo Album called "Albura" released April 6 on Shika Shika.
The 12 tracks on ALBURA take the listener on a deep and fresh journey into the contemporary sound of Latin American music, accompanied by organic electronica. In the midst of cumbias, sambas, carnavales and folkloric melodies, this record includes collaborations with indispensable referents of the new wave of South American producers who have crossed paths with Barrio Lindo: Jhon Montoya, Ela Minus, Lulacruza, Clara Trucco a.k.a. Wende Wen (Fémina/Weste) y Carrot Green. This album merges the two universes that coexist in Agustín Rivaldo: the role of producer and the role of a luthier dedicated to traditional South American instruments. In fact, the name ALBURA is a botanical nod to the youngest part of the wood of a tree, and where the most recent growth rings of the trunk are found, at the same time a vital part for luthiers. During the production process, Rivaldo recorded with instruments that he made himself: charangos, guitars, quenas and marimbas, among others.

My favourite track is "Otoño Primavera" feat. the great voice of Lulacruza.

El Búho - Ocean of Storms

This one from El Búho, straight out of Mexico City is a beautiful track for a relaxed sunday afternoon. Make a good cup of tea and enjoy the smooth atmosphere of "Ocean Of Storms". You can find this track on a new compilation from Shika Shika called "Mare Insularum" featuring 11 slow world influenced tracks by different artists.

Susheela Raman - Trust In Me (Be Svendsen Edit)

Very nice Edit of Susheela Raman's fantastic cover of Disney's The Jungle Book song "trust In Me" by Be Svendsen.
 

KMLN - Sabilu EP

Another great release on SolSelectas comes from KMLN. My personal favorite version is the Schon Long Remix of the track "Sabilu" with its pumping bassline.
 

Stavroz - Talabout

With their new EP "Talabout" Stavroz take us on a slow ethno afterhour trip. 

This is what the label Laut & Luise says about the release:

"Waking up in the middle of the night, feeling the gentle touch of moss on your bare skin and overwhelmed by the eery yet calming atmosphere of unknown surroundings. A location no one ever goes to, a destination unreachable by common means, but a place blurring the lines between having a dream and a state of mind. Welcome to Talabout.

Stavroz managed to create a wholesome, comforting soundtrack for a place, which no words can describe. Take a rest, lay down, close your eyes and listen to a story told in an orchestral fashion, with such profession and ear for details."

Matanza - Existencia (Nicola Cruz Remix)

Great Remix by Nicola Cruz of the track "Existenzia" taken from the new album by south american Tribal House project "Matanza".

Rampue - Adagio For Phoenicopterus

Did you hear about the new Keta Pop and Slow House movement that lately took popped up in a lot of underground clubs and festivals worldwide? No? Today I introduce one of main artists of this scene. Based in Hamburg, Rampue is one of the names that spread their slow tribal house sound from Beirut to Berlin, from Burning Man to Ibiza. Have a listen to his latest track called "Adagio For Phoenicopterus" and you'll know what I'm talking about.

Nese Karabocek - Yali Yali (Todd Terje Edit)

Howdy folks, today I want to recommend you to check out this great Edit from Todd Terje that I found on soundcloud. He transforms Nese Karabocek's original "Yali Yali" into an awesome Club Remix.

Nova Lima - Planetario Remix EP

I recently found this nice Club Remix from Jose Marquez included on Nova Lima's latest Remix EP. If you like some Afro Cuban Club sounds, you surely should check out this dancefloor tune. "After the success of their latest album, Planetario, Afro-Peruvian outfit Novalima returns to Wonderwheel with a digi-EP of four deep remixes for the dancefloor from California's Jose Marquez (Tribe Records) along , NYC's Chris Annibell (Afrokinetic), South Africa's Aero Manyelo, and Italy's Gigi Di Martino."

Hraach - Dle Yaman

Hraach is an Armenian born producer currently living in Spain. With this deep Remix of “Dle Yaman” he gained big support from the global Club scene. For a very good reason!
 

Viken Arman - Rosas (NU Remix)

NU based in Berlin made this amazing Remix of Viken Arman's track "Rosas". It is included in his latest EP called Rosas/Terra released on Platon Records.

Zigan Aldi - India

I really like the latest release on 3000Grad from Berlin based Club veteran Zigan Aldi. Here is what the label says about the "India" EP.

 "How does it sound like when heaven and earth become one in the golden light of the morning? If you wanna find out, have a listen to the India EP. Zigan Aldi delivers two dance tracks of truly epic dimensions. According to an old legend, Nemrut was a king who made peace between heaven and earth. That's why a mountain in Turkey is named after him – and now also a piece of dance music. This piece of music is like the soundtrack for a climb up that mountain: It's a steady rise, opening ever new perspectives on the surrounding soundscape, while at the same time the listener is overcome by an ever growing feeling of harmony. Orha Broka on the other hand is Hebrew and translates to the light of the morning. This track blends enraptured chants and a subliminal psychedelic vibe into highly functional groove. Of course there's remixes, as well. For his Nemrut Remix, Mollono.Bass introduces a subliminal feeling of World Music by adding the sound of a sitar. Umami delivers a remix of Orha Broka that puts a little less emphasis on melody and a little more emphasis on rhythm."
 

St Germain - St Germain

After a break of many years Ludovic Navarre alias St Germain released his new album on 9 October 2015. The artist well known from the New Jazz scene takes a new path and creates a great fusion of Desert Blues and Electronic Downbeats. I recommend to have a listen to the tracks "Real Blues" and "Sittin' Here" that capture the desert vibe in its very best way!

Chancha Via Circuito - Sueño En Paraguay (El Búho Remix)

After the release of Amansara, the third LP from Argentinian neo-folklore producer and one of the leaders of the new Latin electronic sound, Chancha Via Circuito returns with Amansara Remixed, featuring brand new and inventive re-imaginings of the tracks from the albums artists hand selected by Chancha from Latin America and beyond. Artists include Frikstailers, Thornato, Tremor, Maga Bo, King Coya, Psilosamples, El Búho, El Remolón Nicola Cruz, Rafael Aragon, Blocktreat, Prisma, Reptilian Commander, Barrio Lindo, Sidirum and Chancha himself, under his previous alias "Universildo". The result of this selection is a powerful and experimental album where the unique sounds of Chancha dare to travel to new latitudes, catalyzed by the wide ranging vision of the remixers. I really recommend this Remix by El Buho with his dreamy atmosphere and slow tribal rythm.