reviews

7 tracks. Each numbered in Roman numerals. Without words. Except here and there in the songs. London-based Nkisi draws inspiration from the African cosmology of Bantu-Kongo, which explores religious and philosophical teachings.

'Khonnar' is a Tunisian word that stands for the dark, shameful and disturbing side of things, that which we usually try to hide. Deena Abdelwahed pushes us into the hidden. In stark contrast to the jubilant party scene on her previous EP 'Klabb'. As such you're in for a surprise when you get a subdued, introspective record influenced by her Tunisian roots.

Italian composer Caterina Barbieri has discovered melody in the drones generated by modular synthesizers (particularly the Buchla 200).

A record you want to play as loud as possible to feel the bass even deeper. Perfectly crafted depths that drag the darkness around in repetitive and addictive patterns. Rhythms that clash and pull. A bass that beats relentlessly without getting bogged down in a classic 4/4 beat.

Musical togetherness must have been at the forefront of the label's mind when they gave Caterina Barbieri and the illustrious Eleh a split EP.

This is some release. Lemna (Japan's Maiko Okimoto) makes her debut on Horo. Her sounds betray an eternity of hard work. Deep and wrought. The rhythm controlled. Embracing the darkness.