Reviews

Minyo Groove 1963–1979: Japan Meets Latin, Rock, Rare Groove & Funky Vibes

VARIOUS ARTISTS | Various Artists

Japanese minyo (traditional folk songs) have been part of the country’s cultural fabric for centuries. Often connected to themes of...

Reviewed in issue February/March/2026

Mahku

Manizeh

On Mahku, her striking debut for Nils Frahm’s LEITER label, Manizeh Rimer bridges ancient devotion and the smoother edges of...

Reviewed in issue February/March/2026

Yashlik

Yashlik

In the 1960s, the Kazakhstan Soviet Socialist Republic tightly controlled cultural expression. As these restrictions began to ease, folk ensembles...

Reviewed in issue February/March/2026

Songs from the Temple

Bageshree Vaze

Singer and dance artist Bageshree Vaze’s eclectic new release is a mixed affair, though fans of Hindustani music will find...

Reviewed in issue February/March/2026

Change

3PEOPLEMUSIC

Following a recent WOMEX showcase, 3PEOPLEMUSIC, a Taiwanese trio of traditional instruments – zither (guzheng), moon lute (zhongruan) and flutes...

Reviewed in issue February/March/2026

Soul Ecstasy

Chandrika Tandon

Grammy Award winner Chandrika Tandon’s new album – glowingly titled Soul Ecstasy – provides exactly as promised. Describing herself as...

Reviewed in issue January/2026

Jogkauns

Jasdeep Singh Degun

Jasdeep is perhaps the leading British sitarist under 40. Surprisingly, this is only his second album, three years after his...

Reviewed in issue January/2026

Sangat

Qais Essar & Sonny Singh

Sikh founder Guru Nanak’s retinue included a Muslim rabab (Afghan lute) player. Inspired by this, Sangat makes a pitch for...

Reviewed in issue January/2026

Masonolay i Cepo’

Outlet Drift

The message is a celebration of Taiwan’s Indigenous culture. The medium is rock. Outlet Drift is a trio from Taiwan’s...

Reviewed in issue January/2026

Thar Ro Prem

Mai Dhai

Mai Dhai is an elder (reports of her age span from 81 to 106) of the Manganiyar, a community of...

Reviewed in issue December/2025