Category: Reviews

From Mauritanian pop and experimental Circassian folk to ambient electronica, spiritual jazz, electroacoustic improvisation, and intimate guitar music.

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.

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.

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.

Although different in form and color, the two albums released by Lotto at once have much in common: darkness and uncertainty, painted in a contemplative, striking way.