Reviews
Through the Walls
Anna Lowenstein is a fine UK-based klezmer violinist and composer. This record is a very personal one, based on her...
Reviewed by Simon Broughton in issue: May/2026
The Power of Polska
Johanna Juhola and Lena Jonsson
Put two Nordic musical superstars together, and something breathtaking happens. Vibrant, innovative and charismatic Juhola has lit up the Finnish...
Reviewed by Fiona Talkington in issue: May/2026
Landscapes of Eternity
Every time Naïssam Jalal releases a new album, I get to have the same thought: ‘bloody hell, she’s a fantastic...
Reviewed by Jim Hickson in issue: May/2026
Kinshasa In Action
“In Action” is the key part of this title. A release bristling with life and possibility, KINACT’s Kinshasa In Action...
Reviewed by Rosie Esther Solomon in issue: May/2026
Modern Pop from Mauritania (1984–1989)
It’s fitting that this terrific compilation opens with the sound of people happily hanging out (on ‘Boustan El Achaar’) because...
Reviewed by Diane Coetzer in issue: May/2026
BarrioKandela
“Doctor Nativo doesn’t make music to fit into genres” his publicity suggests, “he makes music to remember.” In creating his...
Reviewed by Mark Sampson in issue: May/2026
Next Act
The task this North Carolina sextet sets itself here is both to reaffirm their bluegrass roots and to move the...
Reviewed by Paul Slade in issue: May/2026
Ruido Tovar
Mexican Institute of Sound and Meridian Brothers
Mexico and Colombia collide with joyful energy and absurdist humour on this debut collaboration between two veterans of the wonkier...
Reviewed by Justin Turford in issue: May/2026
Chamber Music
It’s always good to see young guitarists coming through and flying the flag for acoustic instrumental music. Miami-based Conor Moore...
Reviewed by Glenn Kimpton in issue: May/2026
