Spanish Harlem Orchestra, Mansbestfriend, Madagascar...

“On United We Swing, the Spanish Harlem Orchestra continues with their tradition of classic-meets-contemporary “Salsa dura” sound with refreshing originality.”—Six Degrees Records

“New instrumental album under Sole’s alter-ego Mansbestfriend. While past Mansbestfriend projects dwell in a glorious sort of doom, Poly.sci.187 plays ethereal and heavy like a series of ghost dreams drifting through thick Arizona air. The title reads as the foregone conclusion of Sole’s notable ventures, both philosophical and literal, into a world of human strife and dirty politics: “Political Science: This Shit’ll Kill You.” But without true lyrical content, the instrumental Poly.sci.187 occupies a space more reflective than edifying, its songs positing suggestion and sentiment in the mind of the listener about our most current troubled times.”—Anticon Records

“The second album from Balitmore band Madagascar. Balkan folk meets Eplosions in the Sky meets Devotchka. Goodbye East, Goodbye West documents the refinement and growth of the Madagascar’s unique sound. Each track uses crisscrossing accordion, saw, and glockenspiel melodies; anchored by bass, acoustic guitar, and percussion. These instrumental elements are perfectly punctuated with beautiful wordless vocals. From playful waltzes and clanky dirges, to minimalist scrapes and drones, to their arrangement of the Chanukah staple “S’vivon,” Goodbye East, Goodbye West, is a uniquely satisfying and mystifying collection of songs.”—Western Vinyl Records