Lucas Santtana Champions Brazilian Language on ‘Brasiliano’
Politically and philosophically, Lucas Santtana’s Brasiliano demonstrates wondrous clarity of purpose and boasts consummate musicianship.
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.
Dorea’s Second Album Is Vulnerable and Seaworthy
Dorea draws on his experience as a lifelong resident of Salvador, on Brazil’s Atlantic coast. He sounds like the sea: alternately gentle, rough, and unpredictable.
Nuevos Ríos Debut with Astonishing Takes on Tradition
Nuevos Ríos’ debut emerges from organic processes of collaboration that treat local cultural expressions not as samples but as relevant contemporary music.
Ohyung Offers Vivid Heartland Impressions on ‘Iowa’
Ohyung offers spacious electronics and samples that evoke vast and open landscapes, stories of life and loss, social tensions, and oppression.
Tinariwen’s ‘Hoggar’ Is a Brilliant, Bittersweet Homecoming
Tinariwen’s music is perhaps more poignant than ever, made with a reverence for history and a sense of community that grows stronger over time.
Los Sara Fontán Fight for a DIY Future on ‘Consuelo’
Los Sara Fontán sound a possible future that can only come through agitation and a total reworking of society, that requires an intentional storm to clear the air.
Fabiano do Nascimento Blossoms on the Organic, Tender ‘Vila’
Vittor Santos Orquestra bring Fabiano do Nascimento’s urban nostalgia into dialogue with the natural atmospheres he evokes. It’s breath after breath of fresh air in sonic form.
Fågelle Finds Melancholy Release in Glorious Gloom
Glorious gloom permeates the musical catalogue of Swedish singer-songwriter Fågelle, and her album Bränn min jord overflows with it.
Yoshiko Sai Is Luminous on the Reissued ‘Mikkou’
Yoshiko Sai emerges as a true luminary unlike any other, holding together an eclectic palette with unshakeable artistic sensibilities and a truly fathomless mind.
Neba Solo and Benego Diakité Are Masters of Their Traditions
Neba Solo and Benego Diakité have a subtle leadership, guiding other musicians who record with them, filling out ten gently intricate tracks with aural warmth.
Da Cruz Revolutionize the Dancefloor on ‘Som Sistema’
The combination of African, South American, and Caribbean pop styles, timely themes, and impeccable club vibes make Da Cruz’s new album the best yet.
Tigran Hamasyan Seeks Meaning on Rapturous ‘Manifeste’
Tigran Hamasyan’s Manifeste is a journey, profoundly personal and rooted in the world, seeking purpose within it. It’s moving and aurally rapturous.