Mighty Vertebrae – Anna Butterss
Anna Butterss has established themselves as one of the most in-demand bassists on the scene, having worked with world-renowned pop artists like Boygenius and Phoebe Bridgers. Their solo work, though vastly different in sound, is no less impressive. Mighty Vertebrae, Butterss’ second studio album, is a wonderfully diverse collection of jazz-inflected tracks. Each piece is arranged with a tender intricacy—this attention to detail is a common thread that underlies the album’s experimentation with genre and style. Undoubtedly, Butterss’ musicianship rings powerfully regardless of whether they’re playing lofi or post-rock. That, perhaps, is the true magic of this record.
Rhapsody – The Harlem Gospel Travellers
Rhapsody, the third and latest record from The Harlem Gospel Travellers, is much more than a cover album. To all appearances, it is a throwback project, or a reinterpretation of obscure gospel songs from 60s and 70s. The album’s true power and importance shines through, however, upon a deeper look into the musicians behind it. Central to the artistry of The Harlem Gospel Travellers are their experiences as Black queer men singing gospel music. The trio, inhabiting a community and culture deeply tainted by homophobia, seek to “be a representation of a positive force and gospel music that is accepting of all people”. Rhapsody achieves this and so much more, blessing our earbuds with 30 minutes of soulful, funky, church-y goodness.
