Animal, Surrender! "A Boot For Every Bane"
Back in 2023, bassist Peter Kerlin (Sunwatchers, Chris Forsyth Solar Motel Band, Bent Arcana, Everloving) and drummer Rob Smith (Gray/Smith, Rhyton, Pigeons) ritualistically burnt their passports, ate the ashes, and began conspiring together under the guise of Animal, Surrender!
Kerlin’s spidery and melodious 8-string electric bass pushes the expected language of that instrument into terrain more often inhabited by lutes or pianos, and begs to interweave with a drummer like Smith who slyly punctuates, hisses, and propels against the grain. The duo’s often wordless music is spun from threads of lost folksongs and polyrhythms into hypnotic, latticework compositions whose melodies and beats shift like cat’s-cradles strung between their constantly moving hands.
Their eponymous debut on Ernest Jennings Record Co. in 2024 found haunting covers of Nick Drake and Mike Wexler lurking amongst a tangle of lean, progressive originals, all crafted with the terse economy of post-rock, but reflecting a kaleidoscopic, pastoral vision in its eyes.
Their forthcoming album, A Boot for Every Bane (2025 EJRC), builds upon the incantatory language of the first while inviting the talents and mercurial instincts of pipe organist Curt Sydnor (Greg Saunier, Yonatan Gat, Peni Candra Rini) into the magick circle.
Muito Kaballa "Tomorrow A Flower"
Muito Kaballa return in style with a refined modern sound on ‘Tomorrow A Flower’ for the London-based imprint Batov Records, blending indie pop, soul, hip hop, jazz, Brazilian rhythms, and West African grooves.
Initially the solo project of tenor saxophonist and composer Niklas Mündemann, Muito Kaballa has grown into a full blown ensemble, based between Cologne and Berlin, championed across BBC 6 Radio Music, by the likes of Deb Grant, Tom Ravenscroft, and Nubya Garcia, The Radio 2 Jazz Show with Jamie Cullum, Seattle indie institution KEXP, Music Is My Sanctuary, and loved for their energetic live shows.
‘Tomorrow A Flower’ builds on the success of the ensemble’s acclaimed ‘Like a River’ album, whilst moving away from the previous album’s strong jazz leanings, towards a more direct, contemporary yet sophisticated pop feel. Still oozing with soul, and nods to not only African funk and hip hop but strong modern references, including electronic pop favourites Jungle By Night and cosmic groove merchants Khruangbin.
‘Tomorrow A Flower’ is a modern classic – interlacing multiple genres of sound into new perspectives that complement each and leave room for the enchanting and original songs and sounds of Niklas Mündeman and Muito Kaballa.
Danny Ayala "Only Fools Love Again"
What’s bold is new again and what’s original never truly goes out of style. That is the thesis behind ‘Only Fools Love Again,’ setting it and its author, Danny Ayala, up for long-term success and a tenure-track rotation on any discerning pop fan’s turntable. The touring bassist and keyboardist with glam and power pop wunderkinds, THE LEMON TWIGS, strikes again! ‘Only Fools Love Again’ ranks near the top of an extremely short list of pop revival offerings that transcend sonic posturing and mere tribute-act dress-up pastiche. For the more seasoned listeners and denizens of the discount cut-out bins, the moves and styles on display will be instantly recognizable, however, for those newer explorers, the lack of fluency in the RAK and Bell label catalogues will not impede any enjoyment or dissuade repeat listens. A forward-facing throwback, showing off a range of influences both new and old, digital and analog, ‘Only Fools Love Again’ is THE NEW Long Island Sound and it comes highly recommended. Get ‘Only Fools Love Again’ today and baby you can go all the way.
Lady Wray "Cover Girl"
Lady Wray makes her highly anticipated return with Cover Girl, her third album on Big Crown Records. The album opener “My Best Step” says it all, “my next step is my best step”, and indeed she is taking her artistry to a new high and making the best music of her life. The celebratory Cover Girl takes listeners on a free-spirited joyride glittered with ‘60s and ’70s-inspired soul and disco, ‘90s hip-hop and R&B, and perhaps the most defining element, gospel. Following the healing journey that was 2022’s Piece of Me, Nicole has performed on The Late Show With Stephen Colbert, NPR’s Tiny Desk, and toured the world. After this period of growth, Lady Wray is now ready to let her hair down and embrace all of what life has to offer. Reunited with producer Leon Michels (Norah Jones / Clairo / El Michels Affair) for the record, the outcome is effortless and undeniable, a reflection of their longtime collaboration that extends over a decade.
“I’ve gravitated more towards love and self-care with this album. Piece of Me was realizing that I was going to be a mother, and all those feelings were on my heart,” Lady Wray says. “Now I’m able to sit back and be a real boss. I got my career, my motherhood, and my marriage by the horns. I’ve grown into this more self-aware and beautiful flower for Cover Girl.” With an almighty voice, soul-stirring lyrics, and a magnetic personality, the singer-songwriter reflects her appreciation for her family, her faith, and her renewed love for herself—all of which drive her new record.
Lady Wray was born to sing, sharing her soul and her life with us through her music. She has amassed a diehard worldwide fanbase with her relatable messages and incomparable voice. Whether singing of her struggles or strengths, there’s a comfort that comes from the way she makes us know we are not alone in any of it. Nicole Wray is inspiring and uplifting. Having been through a lot, she’s taken all of it and made herself a better person and a better artist.
“You need to rule your own world. Don’t let anybody get in your way. You rock with your dreams until the wheels fall off,” Lady Wray says. “That’s what I’ve been doing with my career since 1998. I know who I am and what I bring to the table. It’s been a heck of a journey, and I feel so happy to be making the best music of my life.”