sound that characterised Altin Gün’s first two albums, On (2018) and Gece (2019). But there’s development here too. Aşk is the closest the band have come so far to capturing the infectious energy of their live performances. “It’s definitely connecting more with a live sound – almost like a live album,” says bassist Jasper Verhulst. “We, as a band, just going into a rehearsal space together and creating music together instead of demoing at home.” “We didn’t record it like we did the last album,” agrees vocalist Merve Daşdemir. “We basically produced that one at home because of the pandemic. Now we’ve gone back to recording live on tape.” “We took a very traditional approach to recording a rock album, like in the 70s,” Verhulst adds. In this instance, that doesn’t just mean getting six musicians together in a room with a few microphones. “It’s also about the gear that we are using,” says Verhulst, “the tape and everything.” It’s this attention to detail in using vintage equipment and recording techniques that gives the album such a warm and welcoming sound. But, above all, this is the sound of friends and collaborators joyfully reconvening to make music together again in real time and space. There’s also a deliberate return to the source in the material they’ve chosen for this album. All ten tracks are new readings of traditional Turkish folk tunes, revealing how these ancient songs remain eternally resonant and ripe for reinterpretation. “These songs have been covered so many times, always,” says Daşdemir “But not really in psychedelic pop versions,” Verhulst adds. Fresh yet timeless. Rooted in antiquity yet yearning for heavenly futures. Aşk wants to take you places. All you have to do is strap yourself in. Tracks: 1. Badi Sabah Olmadan 2. Su Siziyor 3. Leylim Ley 4. Dere Geliyor 5. Çit Çit Çedene 6. Rakiya Su Katamam 7. Canim Oy 8. Kalk Gidelim 9. Güzelligin On Para Etmez 10. Doktor Civanim

revered band in the country. ‘Waile’ is WITCH’s first new song since 1984, and their first with original frontman and co-founder Emmanuel ‘Jagari’ Chanda since 1977. The track was a staple of their 70s live set but was never recorded until the band’s reunification. The B-side is titled ‘Waile (Midnight Version)’. While on tour in the UK, the band took the original stems from ‘Waile’ and reworked them, adding synths and more in studio. This is also this the first release from new Partisan label partners Desert Daze Sound.

Cury—gained an avid following for his swinging samba-funk, tinged with Brazilian Soul. His acclaim rose when he cowrote the theme song for the 2016 Olympic Games in Brazil. Lavishly produced by the Budos Band’s Thomas Brenneck, a top session guitarist and collaborator with the stars (Lady Gaga, Beyoncé & Jay-Z, Amy Winehouse), Curyman will launch Brenneck’s new label, Diamond West. Tracklisting: SIDE A 1. Pra Vida 2. Nação Yupi 3. Eu Gosta Dela 4. Câmara 5. Retumbar Do Meu Tambor SIDE B 6. Mistério da Raça 7. Existe Uma Voz 8. Se eu for falar da amor 9. Grito do Natureza 10. Yemanjá 11. Curyman

widespread reverence. ‘Voyageur’ is the first release of previously unheard music since 2010’s Grammy-winning ‘Ali & Toumani’, and features a collection of previously unheard gems captured at various points in Ali’s illustrious career. The album, which features fellow Malian superstar Oumou Sangaré on 3 tracks, reaffirms Ali’s status as a globally revered legend of African music.

a yellow flower and her smile is like lightning. This particular recording was done in Agadez in 2017 at a wedding. Mdou and I had played three weddings a day for about a month and a half on that trip. It was like bootcamp. I loved it. Ibitlan is one of Mdou's oldest songs and is covered by pretty much every Tuareg guitarist. We've played versions of this song lasting over 20 minutes. It's definitely one of my favorites to play!” An innovative alchemy of Tuareg folk, blues and rock, electric guitar pyrotechnics, field recordings and electronics with poetic call-to-arms lyrics about the plight of his homeland of Niger, Moctar’s 2021 album Afrique Victime swept end of year lists, achieving high placements in The Economist, The Guardian, The New York Times, Uncut, MOJO, Pitchfork, The New Yorker, NPR, Rolling Stone, Dazed & Confused, DJ, Crack and many others. Tracklisting 1. Iblis Amghar 2. Ibitilan 3. Nakane Dish 4. Chimoumounim 5. Asdikte Akal 6. Azawad

as a drum machine version of Afrique Victime opening track ‘Chismiten”. Watch a visualiser for ‘Chismiten’ (Drum Machine Version) HERE. Producer and bass player Mikey Coltun says: “In 2021, we started the Mdou Moctar mixtape series. These releases compiled field recordings, cellphone voice memos, interview clips, conversations captured in the tour van, and blown-out board recordings from shows all over the world. As a continuation of those mixtapes, we present the Niger EPs, which examine the roots of the Mdou Moctar band. Early Mdou recordings were contained on cassettes, though the humble tape was soon replaced by the quick and easy facility of cellphone technology. Long bus rides are common in West Africa. On one of these rides, you might be seated next to a stranger and ask, "What are you listening to?" Then a song exchange would begin over Bluetooth. This is a very real way artists found their music distributed far from home. In that vein, the Niger EP series features solely recordings taped in Mdou Moctar's home country of Niger. Volume 1 begin the series with a mix of recordings from 2017-2020, documenting the band at weddings, picnics, rehearsals, and even impromptu house concerts. A must have for any Mdou Moctar fan!” An innovative alchemy of Tuareg folk, blues and rock, electric guitar pyrotechnics, field recordings and electronics with poetic call-to-arms lyrics about the plight of his homeland of Niger, Moctar’s 2021 album Afrique Victime swept end of year lists, achieving high placements in The Economist, The Guardian, The New York Times, Uncut, MOJO, Pitchfork, The New Yorker, NPR, Rolling Stone, Dazed & Confused, DJ, Crack and many others. Tracklisting 1. Imouhar (Drum Machine Version) 2. Chismiten (Drum Machine Version) 3. Sibidoul (Live) 4. Afelan (Live) 5. Layla (Live) 6. Afrique Victime (Live)

Sergio Mendes, all of whom became global stars after releasing with major labels in the US. There was a moment when it seemed she might be on the cusp of an international breakthrough.