Singles & EPs Round Up - January 7th, 2022

Astralean - Said Softly (Sound Meditation)

Out of nowhere Astralean  materialised from the ambient ether last year and has been producing my sort of soft touch ambient sonic baths ever  since he started releasing monthly tracks. These have now been handily compiled into an easily listenable EP. Don't tell anyone but there are rumours it is Jorgen Kjellgren. Turn on, tune in and lay down.

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Phortah - Mysohi (Leveldva)

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I stumbled across Phortah last year and am now tracking his every globally minded beat fused move. With his last EP he get a little dreamier and sleepier but no less appealing, and I look forward to what he has in store for 2022.

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Tar Of - Were I (Sounds As Language)

Kooky, quirky, pleasingly unhinged art pop made by two blokes seemingly waltzing through life without a care in the world, documenting with a wry smile the absurdities and socially acceptable madness of the human condition.

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Hieronymus Dream - Nostos (Self Release)

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Hieronymus Dream remove their brake discs, handcuff themselves to the steering wheel and set the controls for the heart of the kosmische sun with a laid back, space rocking determination and a sun cracked smile.

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The Album Leaf - In an Off White Room (Nettwerk)

A welcome addition to his digital catalogue Mr. Leaf has dug into his recording history to give this laid back lounger of an EP a second chance at pacifying the masses. It's definitely working for me.

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Ajak Kwai - Red Sands (Music In Exile)

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South Sudan's loss is Australia's gain as Kwai now blesses that far away island with her wonderful voice and  rootsical Afro soul calls for social and racial justice, not to mention a more equitable future. There's still a way to go but with vocal leaders like this there is hope.

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Cosmo Sheldrake - Do (Tardigrade)

I'm not quite sure how to describe this sound which is always a good sign, maybe a fun loving Matthew Herbert? I was also amazed that apparently almost a million people a month are tuning into the weirdy wobbly delights of this one man band on Spotify - and no one thought to tell me? Here he collaborates with the sweet voice Flora Wallace to fine effect.

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Terror/Cactus & GUAZÚ - Simbiosis (EArthly Measures)

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After discovering the Earthly Measures label late last year I'm rapidly turning into a bit of a fan boy and this last 2021 transmission from them is a nice slice of electro sun drenched cumbian chill out for those moments when you've taken one button too many and are wandering aimlessly around the Mexican desert. As you do.

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The Pro-Teens - Peachfuzz/One Beer (College of Knowledge)

I'd normally be wary of anyone who call themselves professional teenagers but these boys filter that youthful spirit and sense of awe through wise heads and the scuzzy, funky, fuzzy and grooving MF Doom covers on display here are a fitting tribute to a hip hop legend taken too early and should make us all want to rediscover our inner child.

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