These albums share a common thread: drawing on tradition – whether folk, classical or guitar-based– and transforming it into a language of contemporary, often ritualistic and deeply emotional expression. This is a showcase of music that does not so much tell stories as create experiences – suspended between meditation, experimentation, and intense emotion.
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From mystical folk from the borderlands of Central and Eastern Europe to ambient and drone music that stretches out in time and resonates. Add percussive acrobatics, lively cartoon-style jazz, and a tribute to Turkish roots. Join me for a round-up of February’s most interesting albums.
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MENT in Ljubljana turns out to be a festival of contrasts – from ascetic, almost mystical concerts in chapels to the club chaos of electronic music – which, with extraordinary sensitivity, intertwines the contemporary experimental scene with the memory and tradition of Central and Eastern Europe.
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From songs of the Caucasus and reinterpretations of the history of ancient weavers, through post-traditional sounds inspired by Georgia and recordings from the former Silk Road region, to uncompromising avant-garde jazz and metal and futuristic, emotional electronica — welcome to this year’s first review of new album releases.
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Songs about loved ones, folk songs, vocal meditations, musical trance, folk or post-metal jazz – this year’s Supersonic showed how music allows us to participate in rituals in many ways.
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After the war, sporting life flourished in the YMCA hall, initiated by the younger generation. Now, the hall has been revived thanks to music and one of the most original music events in Poland.
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OFF Festival brought a mix of big names and discoveries – from the energetic Kneecap and futuristic Kraftwerk to intimate concerts in the jazz tent. Although organisational problems appeared, the festival managed to surprise with unique moments and, after many years, its programme is heading in a better direction.
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Rewire reminds that music in focus and detail makes a colossal impression.
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From the hypnotic guitar structures of Ex-Easter Island Head, to the spiritual soundscapes of Nali Sinephro, to the performative sound rituals of Lukas De Clerck – each of these artists redefines musical boundaries.
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