Around The World In A Neddy Daze Edition: Dirtmusic, Gwenno, Mint Field & The Limiñanas

Dirtmusic: Bu Bir Ruya

With spring in the air, it’s time to rid ourselves of that cabin fever — in a big way. That’s right, time for another edition of Around The World, finding excellent new music from far-flung locales. This time around I’ve got some more less-traveled spots, starting with a stop in Istanbul for Turkish band, Dirtmusic. Their latest is called Bu Bir Ruya and it’s a self-contained journey all on its own, with hypnotic beats and exploratory melodies. So many elements at work here, some exotic, some familiar, all working together to create an irresistible sound. Check it out!

Spotify

Gwenno: Le Kov

Another spot I don’t hit too often around here is Wales, but that’s where we’re headed to listen to Le Kov, the new album from Gwenno. That slightly enchanting/slightly disorienting feeling you get when you’re immersed in a foreign country – the culture and the language just unfamiliar enough – that’s the feeling you get from this music, sung entirely in Cornish and filled with a gorgeous, groovy baroque, it feels like a total am-I-sleeping? dream. But, believe me, it’s all good, despite the ethereal feel, it’s rooted and confident. One of my favorite records of the first quarter of 2018, I think you’ll dig it.

Mint Field: Pasar de las Luces

Tijuana, Mexico is definitely not typically a stop for the U.S.S. RecommNeds, but that’s where we’re off to next. Trust me, it’ll be worth it. The band is Mint Field, a duo of 21-year-old women who make some tremendous, atmospheric music. Their album is titled Pasar de las Luces and it’s one of those grabs-you-harder-the-deeper-you-go and gets-better-with-each-listen kind of records. It’s both dark and heavy and light and beautiful, all within a single track at times. The album is an achievement on its own but also, we can hope, the opening of a door to a roomful of great things from these two. Enjoy!

Spotify

http://mintfieldil.bandcamp.com/album/pasar-de-las-luces

The Limiñanas: Shadow People

Finally, we zig back over to Europe, to France and another duo, The Limiñanas. Wouldn’t be a good global-go-around unless we got ourselves a true psychedelic band to keep things interesting, and these two fit the bill. Their newest album is Shadow People and it hits all the sweet spots with skill and verve – garage rippers, surfy floaters and shoegaze wanderings. It’s just the thing for an intercontinental voyage – or, you know, more local activities as well. And that’ll do it for this journey, put up your tray tables and enjoy the tunes and if you’ve got any good off-the-radar new music I should be listening to, be sure to let me know!