Tawiah - "Recreate"

October 18th is an auspicious date. In my life, it's the day that Pledge-O-Rama, UMFM's annual funding drive starts (though you can support great campus/community radio ANY TIME). In the world at large, it's the album release date for Starts Again, the new record by London, UK neo-soul singer Tawiah.

"Recreate" is the first single from the album and it's a promising note to begin on. REALLY dig the arpeggiated harp on this one and not surprised to discover string arrangements are by Miguel Atwood-Ferguson.

While this is Tawiah's debut full-length, she has previously worked with a murderers row of RR faves: Cinematic Orchestra, Blood Orange, Mark Ronson, Kindness, Cee-Lo, Wiley, Zed Bias and Eric Lau

And the record comes out on the always-on-point First Word Records who continue to amass a brilliant roster of artists.

Brookes Brothers - "In the Moment ft. Amahla"

I'll admit it - I haven't been a consistent drum'n'bass listener in recent years. Once upon a time it was definitely a corner I stood on, but looking at the tracklist on Drum & Bass Arena 2019, so many of the artist names are unknown to me. But I know a good track when I hear it and "In the Moment" is a GREAT track.

That said, I think the strength of this song is guest vocalist Amahla, who brings a soulful swoon to this cut that isn't quite as evident on the other Brookes Brothers original, "Good Thing," which is a much more straightforward d'n'b cut. In fact, for much of its run-time, "In the Moment" feels much more like a broken-beat number that would come out on Tru Thoughts - which may be why I'm so taken with this track (seriously, just look at how often TT gets labeled/mentioned here on RR).

I'm certainly going to keep an ear out for more from Brookes Brothers, but I've already added Amahla on socials, and snagged a copy of her Consider This EP and eagerly await more from this talent.

KOKOROKO - "Ti-de"

Not to be confused with KOKOKO!,- though both acts share a connection to Afrobeat -  KOKOROKO is a London UK septet that just dropped their self-titled album on March 8th and while it is likewise fire, it's more of a smouldering fire. "Ti-de" the track I've linked to is a languid affair that builds from a solo bass line and starts layering elements including Oscar Jerome's guitar line (that totally has me thinking Tuareg tunes) and a trio of horns.

Wovoka Gentle - "Sin Is Crouching At Your Door"

Kinda feel like if the Incredible String Band and Nick Cave were expecting and Mercury Rev was the doula, Wovoka Gentle would be the baby born from this trio of participants.

"Sin Is Crouching At Your Door" is from the forthcoming album Start Clanging Cymbals which is available for pre-order here.

Admiral - "Lonely Palms Couch Party"

I don't know what or where a "Lonely Palms Couch Party" is, but if this is the soundtrack I want to be invited. Such a relaxed groove to this tune. That underwater bass line and the crisp snap of the snare keeping the party moving while the organ stabs make it interesting.

Charo - "The Hurt"

No. Not that Charo.This one's a future soul singer from London who just dropped a new EP called Love Three Ways. "The Hurt" is the lead single and it was the right choice. The whole EP is solid (I especially like the subtle bells on "Hope For A Heart") but that loping, insistent beat will have you snapping your head and it provides a solid underpinning to is Rakei-like smooth vocals.

Profusion - "Where Do I Begin?"

Formed from a connection on MySpace (!!??) Profusion is a collaboration between Emeson and K15. Subtle beats and smooth vocals = contemporary soul.

Nubiyan Twist - "Nubiyan Twist: Work House Mode"

The final track on London UK 12-piece Nubiyan Twist may be the end to the record, but let it be the start to your week. Ease on in and sip that coffee while you bliss.

Hollow Hand - Ancestral Lands

Sometimes you just stumble across something beautiful and have to stop, step back and just bask in the beauty. My discovery of Ancestral Lands by Hollow Hand is one of those times. If you only have a moment, take a listen to "Love & Games." If you've got a little more time on your hands, the whole album's here: