Philippe Cohen Solal
Mind Food

Bristol-based imprint Sex Tapes From Mars third release comes via JATA, presenting a reissue of his highly sought after, 1991 dance relic. Presented are three gritty, pulsing exercises in delayed gratification that have all the more impact when they finally hit top gear.The A1, ‘Stutter I’ manages deep introspection while still holding on to the part of the night that makes your head rush and your heart flutter. It comprises four sublimely sewn, yet prominently different movements, climaxing in beating, bumpy bliss.On the flip, the sense of strangely balanced synthesis makes ‘Midstate’ a remarkable sonic quandary. Its uptempo synth melody is joined with spacey stabs, and deep, unnerving swells.“Stutter II,” meanwhile, centers on trippy, bright-eyed acid, lifted by a surprisingly tight flex of pummelling kicks, jagged hi-hats and pure, swelling pads. It’s a psychedelic symphony of earnest rhythms and bass, perfect for early-morning smoke and shadows.Each track on STFM03 has its own subtle but effective drama, sharing a masterclass in esoterically crafted noises.

The AKAGERA trio released their debut album Serpente in 2019. The subtle blend of African music and jazz laid the foundations for a new sound driven by an unconventional ensemble of instruments.Their new album, Traverse, is the soundtrack to the imaginary travel diary of three intrepid musicians forced to put a hold on their adventures. Over a period of three years, they took time out from improvisation sessions to collectively compose a repertoire reflecting the diversity of their backgrounds and influences: classical and contemporary music for Benoit, mixed music from South America and the Caribbean for Stéphane, and African rhythms and Brazilian grooves for David, all to the backdrop of their shared passion for jazz.