Morgan Szymanski and Tommy Perman – Songs for the Mist Forest (Blackford Hill)
The second album by childhood friends, classical guitarist Morgan Szymanski and artist and Blackford Hill label owner Tommy Perman. Their first album explored the sounds of the Scottish woodland, where Tommy’s parents live, and their new album is inspired by Morgan’s ranch in the mist forests of Valle de Bravo, Mexico.
As such, it has a beautiful hispanic feel with organic acoustic sounds blending seamlessly with the electronic, as is the Blackford Hill way. One of the albums of the year.
Alek Lee – Cold Feet (Isle of Jura)
Another slice of almost perfect modern, dubby Balearic from Isle Of Jura Records. Alek Lee’s Cold Feet has heart and soul and just the right amount of musicality and experimentation if you’re after some music to groove to, and make you feel like you’re lounging in the sunshine even if you’re actually tapping away on a laptop.
It’s another win for Isle of Jura records, who are based in Adelaide/Tarntanya. They are, we think, somewhere near the pinnacle of labels releasing modern balearic/disco/downtempo music.
Alek has also made some fine eclectic edits, which are available on his Bandcamp page.
Rotation Sound System – Everything You’re About To Hear Is True (Leng Records)
For the Balearic Silverback crew, the Rotation garden party is one of THE events of the summer. It’s a major gathering of the heads, involving much spinning of vinyl and some mad dancing in a big tent with a beautiful sound system. Here, Rotation founders Dean Meredith, Ben Shenton and the Wrekin’ Havoc crew have put together a wonderful selection of must-have tunes that reflect the sound and the ethos of those parties. And, it’s all great – every track a Shazamer! – crate-diggers’ delights, slo-mo disco, 80s pop vibes and chill out bangers galore.
Wilson Tanner – Legends (Self-released)
Here’s one we missed from a couple of months ago that’s just too good not to share. Backyard ambience and subtle grooves to enjoy with a glass of wine, which is apt given that it was made in the vineyards of South Australia. The agricultural atmosphere shines thorough with ducks, dogs and birds overheard behind the sounds of woodwind, brass, balalaika and more. This will simply leave you feeling that life is good and the world is beautiful.
The Chill Out Tent 
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