All of these albums are reviewed in the October 2024 issue of Songlines, with tracks from each album featured on the cover-CD with the issue. Never miss an issue – subscribe to Songlines today

01 Mari Boine

Alva (By Norse Music)

A polyrhythmic electronic frolic full of personal explorations in which Norway’s premier Sámi voice finds comfort and confidence in her own sound.

02 The Down Hill Strugglers

Old Juniper (Jalopy Records)

Old-time resistance music that punches just as it should, with squalling fiddles and plucky banjo serving wry reflections.

03 Bagedai

Bagedai (Sea of Wood Records)

Languid reggae contortions courtesy of the Wa state, with Yunnan-inspired guitar riffage, snaking horns and a high-pitched vocal ensemble cresting a deliciously choppy groove.

04 Bizhiki

Unbound (Jagjaguwar)

Against a spectral background of shimmering synths, the far-ranging voices of Native American pow wow singers Dylan Bizhikiins Jennings and Joe Rainey explore, dance and enchant.

05 The Raghu Dixit Project

Shakkar (Raghu Dixit Music)

Raucous, full-bodied India-meets rock delight comes bursting out of Dixit’s much-anticipated first album in five years.

06 Conjunto Papa Upa

Fruta Madura (Music With Soul Records)

High energy psychedelic electro-magic from the Amsterdam-based six piece, shot through with Latin American percussion, infectious riffs and an all-too-delicious spacey keyboard.

07 Atàndá

Òmònílè Son of the Soil (One World Records)

Atàndá brings us a firestarter. Afrobeat and jùjú meet soul and funk in rippling calls to arms against injustice from the Lagos-born London resident singing in English and Yoruba.

08 Lassi Logrèn

Jouhikko (SibaRecords)

Logrèn takes command of the Finnish bowed lyre, the jouhikko, exploring its possibilities and showcasing its raw, tuneful and rhythmic powers through poignant, captivating melody.

09 Peni Candra Rini

Wulansih (New Amsterdam Records)

Sindhen (traditional Javanese vocalist) Rini’s airy, high-reaching voice moves gracefully between ranges and speeds, showcasing her adept control and enchanting sound.

10 Niloy Ahsan

Breathing Raga (Worlds Within Worlds)

Ahsan’s thoughtful and meditative exploration of the morning raga, Bhairav. Dhrupad vocalist Ahsan sings with gorgeous mastery, accompanied by a steady, glistening drone and tabla rhythm.