Singles & EPs Round Up - August 5th, 2021

Sophia Nzayisenga & Andi Otto - Abagore Barashoboye (YNFND)

Andi Otto has a lot of form at finding exotic sounds from collaborators from around the world, then giving them a complimentary European twist, here he lends a light but pleasing touch to the wonderful vocals & incredible Inanga playing of Nazyisenga - a rare Rwandan talent.

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Peggy Gou - Nabi (feat. OHHYUK) (GUDU)

I never thought I'd post a Peggy Gou track here, or in fact a release from anyone with more than 500 Soundcloud followers, but she's only gone and produced a modern day Balearic classic which would have graced any musical age on the isle - fair play to her. Credit where it's due.

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Vinyl Williams - Beaming/Precious Star (Harmony)

A small but substantial release from Mr. Williams as he lays down two beautifully constructed psychedelic dream pop trips for all the bright barefoot  young things with flowers in their hair glued to their mobile phones rather than Carlos Castaneda.

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Me Lost Me - Acrobat on the Road (Self Release)

There was a good reason why Me Lost Me was asked to contribute to the Future Folk compilation, and this first taste of her new EP is another example of her undoubted talent, as she throws her folk inflected vocals over some forward thinking production and gives things a jazz lick to further her genre ambiguous credentials and push all sorts of stylistic boundaries. A genuine talent  in the ascendancy.

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Mato - Summer Madness (Favourite)

I like a bit of reggae and "Summer Madness" is one of my favourite all time tunes, so this reggaefied version of the Kool and the Gang classic is a no brainer. It's a proper sunshine tune too.

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Reggae Disco Rockers - the Whistle Song (Flower Records)

Talking of classic tunes that have a special place in my heart being given a reggae twist check out this version of house classic, "The Whistle Song" which is even more summer ready than Mato's "Summer Madness" above.

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Luna.en.Leo - Luna.en.Leo (SoulfulXNature)

Apart from the fact that there are a couple of Balearic gems on this EP, I'm really enjoying the Latin nu-soul vibes, soft takes on Latin hip hop and old meets new, laid back approach. There's probably something here for everyone.

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Nathaniel Cross - The Description Is Not The Described (First Word)

The trombone is the forgotten horn of the jazz and music world, being overshadowed by the trumpet and saxophone over the years, but Cross is fighting his corner in fine & funky style with this slice of South East London nu-jazz endeavour that swings and bumps in equal measure.

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Dark Dazey - Violetta (Dazeychain)

There's a lot of goodness and quality going on from this toad licking, genre bending band from LA. It's a young bodied crew with seemingly older heads on their shoulders, all the right influences but who are heading in interesting new directions as new artists should.