New Beginnings [LP]

Cologne, Germany, meets Kochi, Japan, as the international collaboration between Midan and AHNAMUSICA continues with New Beginnings, a stellar new EP for Cold Busted. With previous releases for Blunt Shelter and Dezi-Belle Records, the pair flex their beat-making muscles on four summery new joints. "Cool Jazz Lovers" launches the EP with the sound of an old school acid jazz club filled with tough beats, snazzy horn and piano riffs, and a dance floor in full vibe mode. Smooth bossa nova flavors come correct with "Trying To Find" as Brazilian percussion, cool scratches, and a beguiling female voice beckons the listener deep into the lounge. A dreamy sunshine feel takes over on "Mandarins," the jazzy instrumentation and breezy beats opening up a crate of nostalgia. The release closes with "New Beginnings," the EP's departure signaled by a car's purring motor as warm, quiet storm rhythms and e-piano chords put a cap on this blissful sonic voyage.