Reviews
Subtropical
If we require genres, perhaps ‘heavy-dub-espionage-movie-theme cumbia’ will suffice for this latest work from Emanuele Flandoli and his new five-piece...
Reviewed by Martin Longley in issue: October/2025
Vol. III: Ancestros Futuros
After a long tenure in the horn section of Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings, and working with the likes of...
Reviewed by Mark Sampson in issue: October/2025
Zulu Guitar Blues: Cowboys, Troubadours and Jilted Lovers 1950–1965
VARIOUS ARTISTS | Various Artists
This is a truly extraordinary album, a captivating chronicle of the glorious, rousing and defiant music that was created during...
Reviewed by Robin Denselow in issue: October/2025
Acqua Marina
Led by multi-instrumentalist Charif Megarbane, Beirut-based trio Prefaces’ music transplants surf rock from its traditional Californian heartland to the coasts...
Reviewed by Paul Bowler in issue: October/2025
El Pela Vacas
Known as ‘El Rey del Corrido’ (King of Corridos), Sánchez worked as a ‘coyote’, smuggling drugs and undocumented immigrants into...
Reviewed by Nigel Williamson in issue: October/2025
Original Broadway Cast Recording
World Circuit protected the integrity of its multi-million selling brand of Cuban nostalgia vigorously, refusing large sums to license Buena...
Reviewed by Nigel Williamson in issue: October/2025
Asteartea
Bea Asurmendi is a London-based Basque singer-songwriter and Guildhall graduate with a sensitive, wide-ranging voice. This album was informed by...
Reviewed by Jane Cornwell in issue: October/2025
Cinnamon Flower
For over a decade, Charlie Rouse’s tenor sax graced Thelonious Monk’s quartet during the final chapter of the pianist’s career....
Reviewed by Mark Sampson in issue: October/2025
Your Comfort Zone
Cumbia grooves, salsa horn riffs and calls to rebellion coalesce on this bombastic record. Opener ‘You are the Revolution’ could...
Reviewed by Liam Izod in issue: October/2025
