Juno Recommends International: July 2024

Review: Mahal by Glass Beams melds a diverse array of influences into a unique and enchanting soundscape. The Melbourne-based trio, shrouded in mystery with their mask-wearing anonymity, lets their music speak volumes. Built around founding member Ranjan Silva, their sound draws from the rich heritage of Ravi Shankar, Bollywood, Electric Light Orchestra, and traditional blues.Inspired by repeated viewings of 'The Concert For George', Silva's vision for Glass Beams seems to echo the fusion George Harrison envisioned when introducing classical Indian music to Western pop. The EP opens with 'Horizon,' setting a serene tone before leading into the title track 'Mahal,' an instrumental piece that envelops the listener in its mystical charm. 'Orb' follows with a riveting bass riff, while 'Snake Oil' delves deeper into Indian classical territory, showcasing evocative vocals. The EP concludes with 'Black Sand,' a dramatic and beautiful track featuring interwoven vocals and guitar. As their second EP, following Mirage, Mahal solidifies Glass Beams' distinct place in music, defying categorisation and quietly demanding attention with its almost otherworldly quality.

Review: Panorama Records' reissue of 'Salsa Na Ma' by Fruko Y Sus Tesos is a celebration of Colombian salsa at its finest. Originally released in 1973, this track is a timeless classic that still sets dancefloors on fire. The B-side, 'El Preso,' adds to the allure of this limited 7" release. Panorama Records has a track record of unearthing musical gems, and 'Salsa Na Ma' is no exception. Remastered and packaged in a vintage sleeve, this reissue feels like a rare find from Bogota. With support from notable tastemakers including Gilles Peterson and Patrick Forge, this reissue is for collectors and DJs as well as lovers of decent music.

Review: Gitkin returns to Wonderwheel with a spirited release, Don't You Want Me Baby,' a playful instrumental Cumbia rendition of The Human League's timeless 80s hit. Driven by guitar in the verses and accented by Simon Moushabeck's accordion in the chorus, Gitkin delivers a faithful interpretation that promises to ignite dancefloors this spring. Released on 7", this fun and upbeat track captures the essence of the original while adding a fresh, lively twist, ensuring its place as a catchy addition to any playlist.

Review: Orquesta Akokan returns with vibrant interpretations of Rosalia's hits 'Con Altura' and 'TKN,' showcasing their Grammy-nominated Cuban flair. Led by vocalist Jose 'Pepito' Gomez and featuring Cuban talent like lyricist Kiko Ruiz, known for his work with Buena Vista Social Club and Orquesta Maria Alejandra y Cubania, Orquesta Akokan infuses these tracks with a classic rawness sure to energize global dancefloors. The band's self-titled debut album, recorded live at Havana's historic Estudios Areito, embodies the Yoruba term "Akokan," meaning "from the heart." Produced by Jacob Plasse and arranged by Mike Eckroth, this release on 7" encapsulates Akokan's heartfelt musical gift, blending originality with Cuba's rich musical heritage in every beat and melody.

Review: A Colourful Storm's vinyl release of Eddie Marcon's Yahho no Potori is a shinning example to the enduring allure of the Japanese folk outfit's intimate soundscapes. Comprising the core duo of Eddie Corman and Jules Marcon, the album marks a poignant evolution from their earlier works, weaving delicate acoustic textures with traditional song structures. Recorded during a humid summer and autumn, Yahho no Potori captures the essence of tenderness and wistfulness, buoyed by Corman's evocative vocals and Marcon's stylish guitar strumming. The ensemble cast, including Yashuhisa Mizatani and Saya Ueno, imbues the album with a collaborative spirit reminiscent of Japanese collectives like Tenniscoats and Maher Shalal Hash Baz. At its heart lies 'Toratolion', a hauntingly beautiful track that features Corman's emotive vocals, a standout moment on both the album and in Eddie Marcon's live repertoire. A Colourful Storm honors this underappreciated gem with remastered audio, faithful artwork and a Japanese lyric sheet, inviting listeners to immerse themselves in the ethereal beauty of Eddie Marcon's musical world. This album is sure to make indie charts and best of lists for 2024!

Review: This vinyl reissue honours the wonderful Roberto Roena y Su Apollo Sound's 1970 debut for Fania Records. Formed in 1969, Apollo Sound became one of Puerto Rico's premier salsa bands. Highlights of this rich and vibrant album include 'Tu Loco Loco, y Yo Tranquilo,' 'El Escapulario,' and the Bobby Capo classic 'SoNando con Puerto Rico.' The 180-gram vinyl features lacquers cut from the original master tapes by Kevin Gray at Cohearent Audio, ensuring top-notch sound quality. Packaged in a vintage-style tip-on jacket, this US import is a must-have for salsa lovers.

Review: The latest volume in DJ soFa's renowned Elsewhere series is here to celebrate. Elsewhere CC is the ninth installment and is always a jam packed tribute to summer and groove, curated by the Brussels-based DJ and producer known for his eclectic taste and unique musical style. Elsewhere CC is a full of tropical gems spanning from Trinidad to Brazil, Poland, Dominica, and beyond. The compilation features a diverse mix of tropical-wave, Calypso, multi-rhythmic beats, lo-fi disco jams, and more, all curated by DJ soFa. This collection is perfect for setting the mood on a sunny, secluded beach with a cocktail in hand. It includes rare tracks and some of DJ soFa's own productions and collaborations, featuring hard-to-find tunes from the 70s to today, including Jeannette Azzouz's sought-after Calypso record, 'So Close to Me.' DJ soFa, also known as soFa Elsewhere, is celebrated for his boundary-pushing curation and storytelling through music. "Elsewhere CC continues his mission to expand musical horizons and showcase hidden gems from around the world.

Review: Step into the profound realm of Carnatic Music with Bombay Jayashri Ramnath's transcendent album. Rooted in the rich tradition of South Indian classical music, Jayashri's haunting vocals draw listeners in close. From the ethereal chants of 'Sada Bada (Slokam)' to the rhythmic pulsations of 'Bhajeham Bhajeham,' accompanied by the hypnotic beats of mridangam drums and the resonant drone of a tambura, each track envelops the listener in an aura of spiritual resonance and cosmic beauty. Jayashri's melodic Sanskrit chants in 'Kalimaheshwari' and 'Keshvaya Namaha' evoke the sacred feminine and pay homage to the divine presence of Lord Vishnu, infusing the album with a profound sense of reverence and awe.

Review: Ana Frango Eletrico's first ever reissue, Little Electric Chicken Heart, follows up 2023's most recent record Me Chama De Gato Que Eu Sou Sua. Surfacing after Mr. Bongo were met with a string of requests to reissue the album not long after its original release in 2019, we're once more compelled to consider the album's merits and what makes the enjoyment of it tick. More of an establishment of style and talent than an exploration of a concept, the album is noted for its fusion of chamber pop, rock and samba, across a vintage palette that defies any overarching categorisation.

Review: Ana Frango Eletrico's Little Electric Chicken Heart is a petit cult classic masterpiece that has entranced listeners with its authentically vintage fusion of chamber pop, rock, samba, and jazz. Originally released in Brazil and Japan, the album has become a sought-after collector's item, earning accolades from fans and critics alike. Highlighted by The Needle Drop as one of the Top 50 Albums of 2019, Ana's unique blend of influences shines throughout the nine tracks. From the spellbinding piano solo of 'Saudade' to the anthemic singalong of 'Chocolate,' each song shows Ana's versatility and creativity. The album also features collaborations with notable artists, adding depth and richness to the musical tapestry. With its swirling melodies, lush instrumentation, and deft vocal delivery, Little Electric Chicken Heart is a journey through the vibrant landscape of contemporary Brazilian music.

Review: Spain's Zanja Records is a new label dedicated to the promotion of Cuban music and culture. Its inaugural EP The Zanja All Stars: Cuban Jam Session Vol 1 features singers El Indio, Maria Victoria, El Nene, and Ondy, under the musical direction of Julito Padron. All are top Cuban talents who perform "Descargas, Montunos, Instrumental Jazz, and Son" with authenticity and great charm. These percussive, shuffling grooves are alive with wandering basslines and expressive vocals that take you to the heart of the country in an instant. Big horns and jazzy keys, orchestral grandeur and street-wise realness all make them brilliantly irresistible.

Review: Rewind to 1975, Brazilian supergroup Azymuth hit their richest creative vein with this self-titled full-length. Just as the band remain so themselves, this is still hugely relevant and ridiculously on-point considering it's 40 years on the clock. Proof can be found on every track from the sedative harmonic charms of the opener "Linha Do Horizonte", the raw slap bass funk, velvet keys and soaring synths on "Seems Like This" and the frenetic, almost techy mentality of "Wait For My Turn". An essential addition to any collection, this would have blown minds to pieces back in 1975.

Review: Caracoles propels Orquesta Akokan's GRAMMY-nominated mambo into the contemporary era here with sounds infused with akokan-a Cuban Yoruba term for heartfelt expression. Led by producer Jacob Plasse and pianist Michael Eckroth, the album is their third and it delves deep into mambo's rich tapestry. Collaborating with Cuban artist Kiko Ruiz, who is known for his work with Buena Vista Social Club, the album intertwines everyday Cuban narratives with Palo Mayombe spirituality that adds layers of depth. Rooted in the traditions of Benny More and Perez Prado, Caracoles revives mambo's essence as both celebration and prayer here while invoking spiritual resonance through impassioned grooves.

Review: Since 2017, KOKOKO! has been trailblazing Kinshasa's sonic revolution while earning global acclaim for their unique sound and vibrant performances. Recognised as the best live band by AIF, they've been featured on NPR Tiny Desk, Boiler Room, and major festivals like SXSW and Pitchfork. Their debut album, Fongola, received rave reviews, and now they are back with another album that is unlike much else you will have heard. BUTU, which is inspired by Kinshasa's vibrant nightlife, has been proceeded by the lead single 'Mokili.' The album has further cues taken from Kinshasa, Kwaito, and '90s dance music and channels the band's hometown's frenetic energy with a sense of social activism into a powerful statement.

Review: Guts dropped the superb album Estrellas back in late 2022. It was recorded during the pandemic and is a treasure trove of distinctive Afro-Cuban musical traditions, highly percussive sounds, brass-based rhythms and simmering melodies. Heavenly has now put together a mix of special remixes for this limited edition 12". First up 'Por Que Ou Ka Fe Sa' (Poirier remix) is a delightfully airy and light-footed rhythm with gorgeous guitar melodies. The David Walters remix) makes more of the vocal chants and chunky funky drums. 'San Lazaro' (Bosq remix) cuts loose with some summary brass and carefree drums and 'Medewui' (Captain Planet remix) is a shuffling percussive closer.

Review: Born on the vibrant streets of Baku, Azerbaijani's gitara culture is a mesmerising fusion of indigenous traditions and global influences. Through eras of the oil boom and Soviet rule, the electric guitar has become a powerful symbol of cultural expression and Rahman Memmedli is a legendary figure who revolutionised this sound with innovative techniques and impassioned performances. Drawing inspiration from mugham music, Memmeddli's compositions resonate with soul-stirring melodies and electrifying solos and Azerbaijani Gitara Vol. 2 promises to impress listeners with its depth, diversity and unbridled passion, taking you on a journey through the heart and soul of Azerbaijan's musical heritage.

Review: A pivotal figure in the early 1970s MPB scene, Salvador was not only a highly regarded sessionist and composer but also a band leader. His 1971 album is a vibrant mix of bossa nova, samba, funk, and carioca styles, infused with raw energy. Original copies of this influential fourth album often fetch around $200 due to its eclectic range. From the lively opener 'Uma Vida' to the Beatles-esque narrative of 'O Rio' and the orchestral boogaloo of 'Number One', the album showcases Salvador at the height of his fusionist creativity and musical prowess.

Review: Satellites' self-titled debut album, released on Batov Records, is a dynamic addition to the Anatolian Rock scene. This Haifa-based band, led by Itamar Kluger, deftly balances tradition and innovation. With their mastery of the saz and baglama, they infuse vibrant electric beats with swooning melodies, prog rock intricacies, and disco flair. The album's highlight, 'Seni Sen Oldugun Icin Sevdim,' is a tradeark example at Satellites' adventurous spirit, blending full-throttle jazz rock with psychedelic interludes. Their reinterpretation of the traditional 'Yagmur Yagar Tas Ustune' merges dark folk with alt-rock, featuring Yuli Shafriri's ethereal vocals. Satellites' enthusiastic approach breathes new life into classics like Zafer Dilek's 'Yekte' and Kamuran Akkor's 'Olurmu Desin.' The former revels in distortion with robust synths, while the latter's skanking guitar and harmonies add urgency to the ballad. Instrumentals like 'Big Baglama' set the tone with twanging saz and disco rhythms, while tracks like 'Yar Oi' and 'Disco Arabesque' offer buoyant, danceable beats. The closing song, 'Cecom,' is a gentle, soothing coda that hints at future explorations. With their inventive blend of genres, Satellites promise an intriguing musical journey ahead.

Review: Yemenite music in Israel is a uniquely Middle-Eastern style born from the immigration of Yemenite Jews to Israel. Initially religious and ceremonial, the music featured separate male and female songs accompanied by drumming on olive oil tin cans. Aharon Amram, born in Sana'a, Yemen, immigrated to Israel as a child and became a central figure in this genre. From the 1960s onward, he released numerous records on Sounds of Yemen in which he blended traditional religious songs with his own secular compositions, Western electric instruments and modern arrangements. This double LP showcases Amram's diverse catalogue and undying influence on contemporary Mizrahi.

Review: Cuban-born Modesto Dura was a disciple of mambo innovator Perez Prado but also played his own crucial role in Latin dance music's mid-century evolution. His distinctive percussion work features on numerous 1950s hits including tracks by Esquivel, Belafonte, Eartha Kitt, and Lena Horne. On his 1960 solo debut, Duran assembled a stellar lineup of conga players in Mongo Santamaria, Willie Bobo, and Juan Cheda and they created a cinematic blend of Afro-Cuban, cha-cha, and exotic jazz styles. This album offers a rich, percussive vibe while showcasing Duran's influential contribution to Latin music.