Ashes – Ashley Ballat
Immediately upon listening, it is clear that Ashes—the second studio album by trumpeter and composer Ashley Ballat—is a record with a vision. Featuring a sublime soundscape of acoustic and electronic sounds, and layer upon layer of rich sonic tapestries, Ashes is a coherent aesthetic as much as it is a collection of music. Ballat’s soul-stirring melodies ring out powerfully on tracks like One, never losing interest as the song ebbs and flows between controlled chaos and peaceful repose.
RETURN TO THE SPIRIT – SUN ATLAS
RETURN TO THE SPIRIT is at once electric and eclectic. The sophomore album of LA-based band Sun Atlas begins with a red hot jazz fusion number featuring searing sax solos, hook-laden bass lines, ethereal keys playing and an otherworldly drumming performance. This momentum continues without fail as the album progresses. With each track immersing us into a psychedelic, mystical, spiritual frenzy, SUN ATLAS’s sound on this record is nothing short of addictive.
