Jesper Thorn - Stille - VINYL LP

Donovan Blanc is the realization of a purified version of the duo's work, fit for consumption by disciples of Technicolor baroque and singer/songwriter pop music. Therecord's aim isn't to evoke nostalgia, but rather to re-contextualize the familiar and foreign to create new moments; some that are bold and exuberant, and others that are reserved and melancholic. Donovan Blanc delivers a glimpse of the rich textures and vivid colors of pop's golden age through a modern lens.

The Menzingers are an absolute institution. The Philadelphia punk legends' multi-decade reputation as road warriors with an unbeatable catalog is cemented as hard truth-and their seventh album, Some Of It Was True, stands as their most immediate-sounding and energetic record to date. The follow-up to 2019's sensational Hello Exile accomplishes the daunting task of capturing the Menzingers' distinctive live energy in the confines of the studio, resulting in a sound that's both rich, raw, and complementary to the group's increasingly prismatic songwriting approach. More than 15 years in, the Menzingers are still holding their listeners square in the immediate present, and Some Of It Was True documents that power in thrilling fashion. InchWe wanted to make a fun record and write songs that we wanted to play live, and that's exactly what we did,Inch co-vocalist/guitarist Greg Barnett says InchWe've always said that we want every album to sound live, but we never recorded an album live before. This was the first time we committed to that idea. We wanted to sound like how our band sounds onstage.Inch Making the process easier Grammy-nominated producer Brad Cook (Bon Iver, the War on Drugs, Waxahatchee), who joined the Menzingers in El Paso's legendary Sonic Ranch studios and lent his incredible ear for raw, immediate sound to help the band achieve Some Of It Was True's in-the-room live feel. InchThe Menzingers are as real as it gets,Inch Cook says on his time in the studio with the band. InchI had an absolute blast working with these guys and was moved to tears many times. They are truly dedicated to artistic growth, and to each other, in ways I found both refreshing and beautiful. I am now a lifer.Inch

Vinyl LP pressing. Denmark's April Records have proven time and time again their back-catalogue showcases some of the finest improvised music the nation has to offer, from internationally celebrated names including Cecilie Strange, Tomasz Dabrowski and Little North to newcomers like Nana Rashid and Tigeroak. Their latest signing, saxophonist Jeppe Zacho proudly presents his debut album. Zacho has been a hardworking saxophonist and educator in Copenhagen, performing regularly in acts including Jazz Five, The Counterfictionals, Jack Street and various Big Bands. His debut sees the seasoned player and composer assemble his dream quintet for the first time to delve into bop and beyond. Described in the liner notes as modern jazz in the old fashioned way, the record's tone is forward thinking and fresh while maintaining the raw energy and live excitement of all the timeless records jazz fans grew up on. Through his writing Zacho showcases the different facets that make up his musical and personal identities; a piece dedicated to a formative teacher, an ode to his beloved, a composition that reflects his love for Cuba and it's rich musical culture, and an homage to a 1970 Soul/Funk classic make up the quintet's varied repertoire. The juxtaposition of the first two pieces gives the listener an insight into the stylistic breadth under the quintet's belt. From the downbeat of 'Self-Express', the band erupt into a deep swing groove, quickly making way for Zacho's playful, blues-drenched solo over a confidently interactive rhythm section. 'Loyal Soldier' on the other hand is a modern latin-influenced tune featuring complex time signature changes and a rich harmonic palette. In this way each subsequent piece keeps the audience guessing, with their ears being pulled by familiar nods to the past as well as rousing journeys through modernity.