Orbits – The Circling Sun

July 11, 2025

The Circling Sun’s sophomore album, Orbits, is a cosmic jazz road trip—seatbelts optional, mind-expansion guaranteed. Hailing from Aotearoa, this collective of sonic astronauts blends ’70s spiritual jazz, ambient textures, and ethereal choirs into a universe where synths float like planets and percussion spins like orbiting moons.

With nods to legends like Rahsaan Roland Kirk and Azymuth, tracks unfold like a star chart for jazz heads and curious newcomers alike. Guest appearances from the Love Affinity Choir and a rotating cast of instrumental wizards add layers of mystery, surprise, and occasional trumpet fanfare that might just make you question gravity.

Whether you’re vibing with the fluttering flutes, vibraphones, or the occasional Korg and Buchla synth magic, Orbits manages to feel expansive and intimate at the same time.

Next – Kendra Morris

September 19, 2025

Kendra Morris’ fourth album, Next, is like stepping into a musical board game where every tile has a story, a groove, or a surprise waiting to trip you up (in the best way). Stripping back the glossy production of past records, Morris embraces a raw, DIY vibe that puts her songwriting and powerhouse vocals front and centre—think soul, doo-wop, boom-bap and a little rocksteady, all rolling around together like dice in a very funky game of chance.

The album’s concept is delightfully quirky: each track maps a cast of characters—alongside her band, guitarist Supremo “Premo” Massiv, bassist Monti Miramonti and drummer Chauncey Yearwood—onto a vintage board-game-inspired universe. Along the way, you’ll meet “Bill” (he shows up uninvited), fix a “Flat Tire” and peek into the heartwarming “Dear Buddy”, a love letter to her daughter that proves Morris can tug at your heartstrings while keeping you tapping your toes.

Recorded between Loveland and Brooklyn with co-producer Leroi Conroy, Next is equal parts intimate and kinetic—like a jam session in your living room that somehow also has its own mini-parade. Guest appearances from Ray Jacildo and Jimmy James add unexpected sparks, from lo-fi reggae riffs to Paisley Park–level guitar magic. It’s an album that’s as fun to explore as it is to get lost in, tile by colourful tile.