Modular Vinyl & CDs

Review: Aron and the Jeri Jeri Band's debut album Dama Begga Nibi (I Want To Go Home) is a dynamic fusion of Senegalese tradition and global influences. Founded by Berlin-based composer Aron Ottignon and Senegalese griot Bakane Seck, the album blends Mbalax, jazz, afrobeats, reggae and electronic sounds, reflecting the rich interplay of cultures in today's music scene. The title track, 'Dama Begga Nibi;, opens with Pape Diouf's evocative vocals and a poignant longing for home amid lockdown isolation. 'Sunugal', with Ale Mboup's expressive voice and a children's choir, underscores the central role of music in Senegalese culture with a heartfelt homage to the country's traditions. Tracks like 'Mama Djuma' and 'Teddoungal' bring funk, soul, and rhythm that invite movement, while 'Bongo Boys' and 'Jeri Jeri' deliver pulsating electronic beats ideal for lively settings. 'The Return Of The Golden Egg' in particular is very exciting with its blend of pop, rhythm and blues, Calypso and the unique electronic sounds. The album closes with 'Strange People', featuring Aicha's stunning vocals recorded by the Saloum River, providing a serene conclusion. Dama Begga Nibi beautifully illustrates the seamless blend of historical and contemporary influences, celebrating both tradition and modernity.

Review: Novela by Brazilian songstress Ceu is a collaborative masterpiece, bringing together diverse musicians to craft an analog-driven, richly textured album. Produced by Pupillo and Adrian Younge, Novela features contributions from LadyBug Mecca, Loren Oden, Jensine Benitez, and DJ/producer Frankie Reyes. Opening with 'Raiou,' a 70s-inspired dramatic piece featuring Ladybug Mecca, the album sets a soulful tone. 'Cremosa' follows with its vibrant chords, slick guitar riffs, and a hypnotic groove.'Gerando na Alta,' on the other hand, is a mellow duet with Franco-Senegalese singer Anaiis which explores sisterhood over lush rhythmic grooves and bilingual lyrics. 'Crushinho' delivers cinematic strings and Ceu's emotive vocals. 'Into my Novela,' featuring Loren Oden and Jensine Benitez, is about the suspense of TV dramas without scripts, while 'Mucho Oro' is a slow ballad about self-expression and love. 'High na Cachu' infuses a reggae bounce with Ceu's whispery vocals to great success. 'Bua Bua' features the amazing Frankie Reyes, adding to the harmony. The album closes with the solemn 'Corp e Colo,' featuring Nando Reis and Kleber Lucas, and the anthemic 'Reescreve,' which addresses Brazil's turbulent history with thought-provoking lyrics. Novela brilliantly melds Brazilian culture, bossa nova, soul, funk and cinematic elements into a dynamic, bold album that strays from the norm.

Review: Brazilian songstress Ceu bring out Gerando na Alta featuring London-based Franco-Senegalese singer anaiis, heralding her sixth studio album, Novela. Released via Urban Jungle/ONErpm, the 12-track album is produced by Pupillo and Adrian Younge, featuring collaborations with artists like LadyBug Mecca, Loren Oden, Jensine Benitez, and DJ/producer Frankie Reyes. Novela is a collaborative masterpiece created without digital manipulation. Recorded with analog equipment, it showcases a raw, authentic sound led by Adrian Younge on keyboards, Pupillo on percussion, and Lucas Martins on bass. The album opens with 'Raiou, featuring Ladybug Mecca, drawing you into a soulful, dramatic world. This is followed by the vibrant 'Cremosa,' with rich chords and hypnotic grooves, and the sultry 'Gerando na Alta,' where Ceu and anaiis explore sisterhood through seamless Portuguese and English lyrics. Tracks like 'Crushinho' and 'Into my Novela' continue the cinematic journey, with suspenseful production and evocative storytelling. 'Mucho Oro' offers a ballad of self-expression and love, while 'High na Cachu' brings a reggae bounce. The project concludes with the solemn 'Corp e Colo' and the anthemic 'Reescreve,' delving into Brazil's turbulent history. Novela is a dynamic and bold effort, blending Brazilian culture with elements of bossa nova, soul and funk.