Tag Archives: Sandunes

On Record: Various Artists – Tru Thoughts 2023 (Tru Thoughts)

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by Ben Hogwood

What’s the story?

Tru Thoughts really are one of the most generous labels around. Not content with cramming their Shapes compilation series full of good things, here they are with a 24-track highlights reel celebrating the year 2023, curated by label head Robert Luis.

What’s the music like?

As always with their compilations, Tru Thoughts draw from a wide variety of musical styles but bring them together in an order that makes perfect sense – as well as ensuring there are liberal sprinkles of exclusive and essential content.

A few of the tracks are revived – among them Moonchild’s acoustic version of Cure, Hot 8 Brass Band’s now legendary cover of Sexual Healing, and a welcome remaster for Lightning Head’s highly enjoyable Me & Me Princess.

Sandunes – who made a strong impression on these pages – is represented by The Surge, along with tracks from new label talent including The Sindecut, Born74 & Onj, Nenor & Eyal Rob, Call Sender, and Running Loving Something.

Energy-wise all bases are covered, from the thrilling drum and bass given out by WheelUP and Abacus to the cool Salamanda remix of Anchorsong’s Windmills, a lovely time out moment. Yet perhaps the one track that best represents the feelings generated by the whole compilation is North Street West – aka Ashley Beedle – remixing the wonderful Grateful by Luman Child.

Does it all work?

It does – and as ever with Tru Thoughts the listener is left marvelling at the musical invention on display, drawn from such refreshingly large cultural and geographical spaces.

Is it recommended?

Yes indeed. Another good year for Tru Thoughts is complete, as the label close in on a quarter of a century tantalising our eardrums.

Listen & Buy

Published post no.2,032 – Thursday 7 December 2023

On Record: Sandunes – The Ground Beneath Her Feet (Tru Thoughts)

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by Ben Hogwood

What’s the story?

Sandunes’ third album is her first since moving to Tru Thoughts. On it she focuses on connecting the earth and the body, focusing on ‘humanity’s collective spirit, authentic expression’.

With the freedom to move between genres, the artist – real name Sanaya Ardeshir – gathers quite a guest list and a small army of instrumental collaborators, using stringed instruments but also a number of more exotic contributions from quena and mandolin.

What’s the music like?

The blueprint behind the album suggests a fresh approach, and that’s exactly what we get. This is a joyously creative piece of work, the rule book put to one side as Sandunes makes her music with a natural flair.

Pelican Dance is a good example of how she harnesses influences past and present, using a harpsichord but also marimba, creating a colourful backdrop that ebbs and flows very naturally. It segues into Masti, where scattered beats form the base of an evocative scene.

The vocal guests are well chosen and structured, the standout being KAVYA, who brings her strong personality and penetrating vocals to Follow Me and Time For This. Ramya Pothuri has a more languid style but is equally persuasive, lending an endearing smokiness to Signs and The Surge. Cyclone starts atmospherically, with thunder and rain, a song brought to life by Half Waif’s strong vocals.

Does it all work?

Pretty much. The twists and turns of the music lend themselves well to the album format, the levels of intensity rising and falling with the differing moods of each song.

Is it recommended?

It is indeed. Sandunes has a great deal of imagination in her music, and The Ground Beneath Her Feet is invigorating and fresh.

Listen

Buy

Published post no.2,020 – Saturday 25 November 2023