Crucial Material – Best Releases of the Week (September 21st, 2018)

No time to rest, the new releases keep coming in! Whoever said “they don’t make em like they used to” should stop complaining about the state of music, stop looking backwards and realize: there is a shit ton of amazing music being put out every single week!

As always, you can trust us to distill the hundred of weekly new releases and boil it down to the best. So here you go, another serving of Crucial Material. Open your ears, your heart and maybe your wallet!

Allysha Joy “Acadie: Raw”

Genres: Jazz / Soul
Label: Gondwana Records
Purchase

Superb debut solo LP from Australian collective 30/70’s lead singer on the always reliable Gondwana Records. Allysha Joy’s voice & song-craft shines across 10 Soul Jazz jams. Perfect music to wind down to, or warm up to. Highlights include ‘Selfish’, ‘Know Your Power’, and ‘Doom’.
– Selected by Oli Brunetti of Colectivo Futuro

Spiral Deluxe “Voodoo Magic”

Genres: Jazz / Electronic
Label: Axis Records
Purchase

Techno/House studio projects that incorporate Jazz musicians often miss more than they hit. The Spiral Deluxe quartet project is the brainchild of Detroit techno stalwart Jeff Mills and that’s all you really need to know. Highly recommended!
– Selected by Lexis

Lonnie Holley “MITH”

Genres: Soul / Singer/Songwriter / Electronic
Label: Jagjaguwar
Purchase

A quirky and beautifully existential release from musician and lyricist Lonnie Holley that puts a sobering spin on the human experience.
-Selected by Mike Jones

Pete Beardsworth “Pour Un Homme Seul”

Genres: Jazz / Electronic
Label: Running Circle
Purchase

These songs were written during a long period of solitude in the year following a traumatic experience which left Pete Beardsworth without the bottom half of both his legs. The five tracks explore the spiritual sides of Jazz and the healing aspects music can hold.
-Selected by Mike Jones

East Man “Stop Flapping Your Gums”

Genre: Grime
Label: Hi Tek Sounds
Purchase

From the East Man yeah? Sparse but relentlessly aggressive riddims that are definitely for fans of Mumdance & Logos’ Different Circles label, Rabit, Bloom, and all the others on the fringes of Grime.
-Selected by Mike Jones

Fourth Kind (Marc Mac) “Fourth Kind”

Genre: Fusion
Label: Omniverse
Purchase

Any new music from the legendary Marc Mac is always cause for heads to celebrate. Fans of the later 4Hero output will enjoy this one. A blend of ’70s Jazz Fusion with the unmistakable London touch.
– Selected by Lexis

Timothy Duval “2 Sim”

Genre: Classical
Label: Self-Released
Purchase

Another really unique release from South London artist who champions solo piano through simple and very personal compositions. This EP feels like a podcast or a mini-documentary exploring Duval’s dual roots (his “2 Sim” cards)
– Selected by Lexis

Omar S “One of a Kind”

Genres: House / Techno
Label: FXHE Records
Purchase

Never short on self-confidence (with previous releases named “It Can Be Done But Only I Can Do It” and “The Best”), the one of a kind Detroit Techno/House boss returns with another stellar EP that lives up to its title. The EP feels like Omar S on an imaginary collaboration with ’90s US legends like Blaze, Mental Instrum, Wayne Gardiner.
– Selected by Lexis

Fred P & SMBD “Mantras for the Travelling Souls Vol. 1”

Label: Modern Dialect
Genre: Deep House
Purchase

Very deep and introspective House collaborations between two of our favourites: Fred P – aka Black Jazz Consortium and the always incredibly versatile Simbad. Put on the very best headphones you have in the house, play it loud and close your eyes!
– Selected by Lexis

Clark “E.C.S.T. T.R.A.X.”

Genres: Modern Classical / Techno / Experimental
Label: Throttle
Purchase

Clark kicks off his Throttle label with a two-tracker of Techno-minded compositions. It’s a fun and juxtaposed combination, and I can’t wait to see what comes out on the label next!
-Selected by Mike Jones

Skinny Pelembe “Sleep More, Make More Friends”

Genres: Electronic / Beats / Jazz
Label: Brownswood
Purchase

The new four-track EP blends electronic beats, hypnotic harmonies, and atmospheric melodies with elements of Hip Hop, Psych-Rock, and Jazz. This recording is the producer’s most collaborative release to date, featuring a number of great special guests from the UK scene including Yazmin Lacey, Hejira, Sonia Bernardo, and Emma-Jean Thackray.
– Selected by TJ Gordon

Dengue Dengue Dengue “Semillero”

Genres: Peruvian / Electronic / Psychedelia
Label: On The Corner
Purchase

Essential EP from the mysterious duo, fusing the rhythms & chants of their native Peru with synths, bass & psychedelia, field recordings, and guests Penya, Ayani Huni Kuin & Joutro Mundo.
– Selected by Oli Brunetti of Colectivo Futuro

Trio Ternura “A Gira / Last Tango In Paris”

Genres: Brazilian / Funk
Label: Melodies International
Purchase

Floating Points & Red Greg’s Melodies International label just released a much-needed 7” reissue of the highly sought-after 1973 Brazilian classic “A Gira” by Trio Ternura. The funky tropical dance floor gem blends Brazilian influences, chanting vocals, and percussive poly-rhythms. On the flip features the group’s version of Gato Barbieri’s “Last Tango in Paris.”
– Selected by TJ Gordon