Khun Narin Take to the Studio for Stunning ‘III’
While all of Khun Narin’s records have been masterpieces, III is their best shot at mass exposure. If there’s any justice in the music industry, it might just pay off.
Adriane Pontecorvo
Adriane Pontecorvo grew up in San Francisco noise scenes and writes about music from everywhere. She is a music programmer and producer for community radio station WFHB and holds a PhD in Folklore and Ethnomusicology from Indiana University.
Ibrahim Maalouf Radiates Joy on ‘Trumpets of Michel-Ange Vol. 2’
Trumpets of Michel-Ange Vol. 2 finds Ibrahim Maalouf reaching out to a global family of fellow artists and lifting sounds of life and culture in Lebanon and beyond.
Rizomagic Build a Brilliant Cumbia Cosmos
Rizomagic open up new intergalactic horizons for contemporary cumbia. One of the most inspired works to emerge from the tropicanibalismo movement.
Odd Okoddo and Ogoya Nengo Give Their Dreamscape an Edge
Even in the ever-changing, ever-progressive realm of folktronica, the sounds of Odd Okoddo and Ogoya Nengo stand out here as exceptional.
Nana Osei Twum Barima Takes Us on a ‘Journey to the Unknown’
There’s a wonderfully guileless quality to the softness of Nana Osei Twum Barima’s steady voice that makes this album all the more touching in addition to its loveliness.
‘A World of Our Own’ Is a Maximalist Folk Compendium
This is a well-fleshed-out picture of how UK and Irish folk revival artists of the 1960s drew from and inspired their more widely recognized North American counterparts.
‘Ayam El Disco’ Highlights the Diversity of Egyptian Dance Music
Ayam El Disco celebrates and beautifully frames some of the music that kept people stepping lively in Egypt during the 1970s, 1980s, and even the 1990s.
Laurie Anderson Helps Us Face Catastrophe on Live LP
Laurie Anderson has created a rare live album worth listening to from start to finish, both for the music and all the interstices.
Wendy Eisenberg Strikes the Perfect Songwriting Balance
Wendy Eisenberg knows not only the art but the craft of songwriting, they bring their truest self, never compromising, never pushing, always being. Absolutely stunning.
Doctor Nativo Explores Maya Identity on ‘BarrioKandela’
Doctor Nativo explores Maya identity emphasizing contemporary Mexican genres alongside musical styles developed throughout the Central American region.
‘Léve Léve Vol. 2’ Highlights Lusophone Coalition
Focusing on puxa, Léve Léve offers a lively sonic exploration of liberation across the Black Atlantic, emphasizing building coalitions among Lusophone nations.
Angélique Kidjo Celebrates Joy and Holds on to ‘HOPE!!’
Angélique Kidjo’s spirits are remarkably high for 2026, and HOPE!! is ebullient against all odds. She faces the trials of the world and sings through them.