Ships of the Pharaohs - Part 1 (Black Vinyl)

Ships of the Pharaohs – Part 1 is the debut EP from the London collective led by producer Last Nubian, released on 12-inch vinyl through First Word Records. The group brings together vocalist Achanté, keys player Goldbar, bassist Dougan and a wider cast of guests to explore the meeting point between jazz, soul, bossa nova, house, broken beat, jungle and drum & bass. The result is a bright, fluid and distinctly contemporary form of fusion.

The project began when the musicians came together to perform Last Nubian material at a Touching Bass showcase during We Out Here festival in 2023. Their chemistry quickly developed into an independent identity, with writing sessions taking place in a studio-converted Brixton bedroom before final work at Total Refreshment Centre in North London. That combination of informal experimentation and experienced live playing is audible throughout the seven-track sequence.

“Sun Is Rising” opens with high energy and guest vocals from Berlin-based singer Red Bird, who also appears on “Seasons” and “For You”. “Can’t Quit” shifts toward soulful house and bruk, adding spoken-word contributions from AKEEM. “Joys” leans into the group’s bossa influence, with Achanté’s vocals floating above warm keys, percussion, guitar and synth strings. A short “Interlude” spotlights Norwegian saxophonist Bror Havnes before “One” closes the EP with a salute to jungle and drum & bass.

Ships of the Pharaohs draw on the sophistication of Incognito, the soulful club language of Nuyorican Soul and the rhythmic freedom associated with 4hero, but the group’s blend feels personal rather than retrospective. Their live experience at Brick Lane Jazz Festival, House of KOKO, Jazz on Wick, Peckham Levels and other London venues has helped shape music designed to move between attentive listening and the dancefloor. Part 1 is an exciting first statement, pressed on black 12-inch vinyl and released on 18 September 2026.

The compact format also makes the release especially useful for selectors, with two contrasting but complementary moods on each side and a presentation designed for repeated play.