Ones and sixes

Low

Low’s new record opens with a long protracted
synthesizer note on the song Gentle. And from there on in you’ll find the usual vocals, big guitars, surges in intensity and the big hypnotic songs that have made this band an indispensible reference over the years. They just drop the songs straight on you and this really is a very rounded record, one of the best they have released in the last few years. Once again, they have really come up with some stellar arrangements and choruses.

No, no, no

Beirut

It was difficult for Zach Condon to write the hymnal songs that featured on The Flying Club Cup album. The later record The Rip Tide, built around orchestra melodies, was also a complex record to put together. This time around, he’s stripped back the songs and it a more simple affair based on the piano. His albums have always reflected the influence of the places he has visited while recording and this one is no different. The best thing about the album is that it shows Condon hasn’t lost any of his magic.

Baheni Nami

Omar Souleyman

In contrast to his previous release Wenu Wenu, recorded in New York, Syrian Omar Souleyman has made hislatest album, Bahdeni Nami, in Instanbul, where he now resides in exile. The record, which features Four Tet, Gilles Peterson or members of Black Lips, is being released by Germen electronica duo Modeselektor’s Monkeytown record label. Synthesisers, percussion and traditional instruments come together on long looping songs.

Magnifique

Ratatat

While for many they have lost their place in the temple of cult bands, we still can’t get them out of those hallowed halls. They’ve spent the last four years on their latest album Magnifique; a set of instrumental tunes that mixes synthesisers and rock. They recorded it in Jamaica and Brooklyn and you’ll find the wonderful Cream on Chrome, Abrasive or Cold fingers. They also do a cover version of Springwater’s (1971) I will return.

Invocación

Nicola Cruz

Ecuadorian Nicola Cruz’s first record should be with us by the end of the year. So, because we’ve fallen head over heels for her music, we decided to give you a glimpse of some of the stuff she has been doing up to now, so that you too can feel the love. Some place her in the so-called Andes Step style as her music combines elements of electonica, Ecuadorian folklore and jungle sounds. Nicola Cruz’s music is really special stuff.

Los Pakines

Los Pakines

Los Pakines were a 70s band whose style was a mixture of Peruvian Cumbia and instrumental rock. Their music focussed on special riffs and melodies that soon had them held as a reference in Cumbia music at that time. They were classified as having an “elegant sound”. Record label Infospec has just released a 24-track compilation album where all their hits like Caramelo de menta can be heard.