Posted on
December 8, 2023
Category
Characteristics
Essential weekend listening.
This week's recap is from VF's Kelly Doherty and contributors Annabelle Van Dort, Emily Hill and James Hammond.
Joanna Brooke
Sounds of the sea
(Number Group)
Numero Group presents the first reissue of New Age visionary Joanna Brouk's oceanic concept album, Sounds of the sea. Originally released on private press tape in 1981, Sounds of the sea is a mystical journey into the realm of sailors and mermaids, filled with surprises, whale songs and Brook's eerie vocals ringing out like a siren call on the high seas. A wonderful addition to Numero's Brouk series, which has already gifted listeners with ambient, new-age masterpieces such as Listening music (2016) and The space between (2019).–AVD
DJ Rashad
Double Cup (10 year anniversary)
(Fan)
DJ Rashad's tutorial Double Cup is receiving a 10-year reissue from Partisan Records. Despite Rashad's tragic death six months after the album's initial release, Double Cup has become a landmark release in both footwork and the wider dance world, and a reflective listen confirms why. Filled with footwork's familiar skittish beats, liquid golden hip-hop textures and a raw sense of ambition and originality, Double Cup it is a once in a generation record. Always a pleasure to revisit. – KD
East Coast Love Affair ft Theo Suess
Tonight
(Athens of the North)
After a string of flawless singles and reworks—check out last year's captivating acid-house flip of Roy Ayers' “Chicago”—Athens of the North's in-house band (Euan Fryer and Nick Moore) return with a lo- fi electro- groover, with standout vocals by Theo Suess. Lucky and atmospheric, Suess' airy falsetto floats over soaring synth chords and a restrained, sensual bass. With a psychedelic dub of Weatherall on the B-side, East Coast Love Affair closes out 2023 with another 7” double doc!–AVD
Sonoko
Chante
(Atrium)
A must listen from Japanese singer and artist Sonoko to keep us warm on cold winter nights. The elusive singer known as Sonoko Yasuda is minimal, but the charming warmth in her delicate voice over lounge-y jazz tunes is hypnotic. This special and limited edition 7″, possibly made in the 90s, features two tracks with an extra bonus on Stroom's Bandcamp. Super infectious smoothing energy for the holiday season.–EH
Watt
Recorded in Miami 1989-91
(Palilalia)
Bill Orcutt's acoustic and electric guitar work has long been a source of intrigue and brilliant LPs, and with this early recording, we get a glimpse into the foundations of his approach. Given the irreverent abandonment of his Harry Pussy work or solo LPs of abstract blues and tic-like stream-of-consciousness, Watt finds Orcutt alongside Tim Koffley's drums working in some more conventional rock forms. Closeness to convention is not the typical relationship with Orcutt, the results here tempt with angular grooves. The duo's interplay creates tension in the more frantic moments and hints at Orcutt's future explorations.–JH
Liaisons Dangereuses
Liaisons Dangereuses
(Soulsheriff Records)
Liaisons Dangereuses is an iconic West German trio, formed in the early 1980s, consisting of Beate Bartel, Chrislo Haas and vocalist Krishna Goineau. Their debut album, originally released in 1981 by the German label TIS Records (Teldec Import Service), has been reissued many times due to its coveted status. The artwork, sound and essence of the album is quintessentially industrial and essential in any post-punk, wave, EBM arsenal. With minimal instrumentation but maximum presence, this album is relevant for 40 years and no doubt for another 40 to come.–EH
K-Lone
Drum Tools w/ Lead Edit
(Sweet N Tasty)
Brighton producer K-Lone is giving DJs the gift of love this festive season Drum instruments. With six percussive cuts designed to “simmer and pop” in any mix, Drum instruments more than standing alone. Forging links to UK garage, house, funky and hard drumming, K-Lone offers the essentials for every drum enthusiast.–KD
Lamine Fofana
Lamin Fofana & the Doudou Ndiaye Rose family
(Sincere Jon's)
Appearing on a recent Honest Jon collection centered on the balax drum, Lamin Fofana returns to the label for a broader look at his craft. Meeting balax drums with a series of percussive ideas – including four beats on the floor – this cleverly blends the beat with piercing synths and subtle field recordings that seem to swirl in the periphery.–JH
