NOTE FROM THE EDITORS: We’re thrilled to announce the first in a series of monthly columns we’re launching from contributors new to the site. These columns will predominately cover music (and music-related writing) that Post-Trash has not typically covered before, or covered in depth. The first of these columns “Benediction” is from Ben Parra, a librarian based in Western Massachusetts. He has a weekly radio show on Sundays from 8:30-10pm E.T., which you can listen to at WMUA.org, or at 91.1 FM if you're near Amherst. Mixes at Mixcloud (https://www.mixcloud.com/BBBBBBBENNNNNNN/)
Benediction vol. 1
Blacksea Não Maya - Despertar (Príncipe, Jan. 2025)
I feel like I should be crouching when I listen to this. Like it’s “sneaking around” music? Spooky but also playful and has some really fun bass and really beautiful synths at times. I went to Lisbon once it rocked.
Freedjom - Beyoglurush (Terra Tempo, Feb. 2025)
This is not out yet but so what. Immersive bangers from “Istanbul-born, Berlin-based” producer Freedjom AKA Özgür Haznedar. I hope you like syncopation - track 2 “Watch Traffic” absolutely MOVES. Also featuring a remix by Turkey’s finest DJ Strawberry, who put out one of my faves from last year.
JIALING - BLIZZARD 大雪 (self-released, Jan. 2025)
First of the year (and a birthday release!) from Baltimore Club’s rising star JIALING, who released lots (and lots) of great stuff in 2024. Fresh off collabs with Kade Young and Farsight, Big J’s latest opens with the pretty epic (I mean it!) “Avalanche” and really just locks it down from there. Everyone say “Happy Birthday, JIALING” - hope you stay busy in 2025.
p>
Joog Music + Rhythmic Remedies - JMRR001 (Joog Music, Rhythmic Remedies, Jan. 2025)
Bay area jungle labels team up. RR is new to me, I <333 Joog, and these are all absolute heaters.
Khadija al Hanafi - !OK! (Fada Records, Feb. 2025)
One of the best in the biz imo, and further proof (if you even need it) that footwork can go anywhere and do anything. Al Hanafi has an incredible ear for samples and is clearly having a blast across these 20 tracks. Go back and check out the Slime Patrol volumes 1+2 if you haven’t!
Lene Otis Finn - Lene Otis Finn (GLARC, Dec. 2024)
GLARC (Greater Lanarkshire Auricular Research Council (sick lol)) put out another one of my faves from last year – this one’s a nice little compilation of improvisations and compositions by the trio (Lene de Montaigu, Otis Jordan and Finn Rosenbaum). Lovely stuff - and features the sounds of bells forged by Rosenbaum. Pretty neat!
NO BIAS - Bay Area Renegade Trax, vol. 2 (NO BIAS, Feb 2025)
Compilation from Oakland’s NO BIAS label, which has put out some great stuff from the likes of Bored Lord, Tomu DJ, Bastiengoat, DJ JUANNY, and many more. I’m sort of obsessed with the Bay Area footwork/jungle/club music scene, and this label is a big reason why.
TAH - CANDYCRUSH (self-released, Jan. 2025)
Pure gas. Nothing else to it!
Toru Yamanaka & Teiji Furuhashi / Dumb Type Theater - 睡眠の計画 Plan For Sleep (conatala, Dec. 2024) and 庭園の黄昏 Every Dog Has His Day (conatala, Oct. 2024)
Soundtracks for a pair of experimental theater performances from “multimedia performance art group” DUMB TYPE. Recorded in 1985 and 1986, you’re getting a nice mix of dramaturgical bombast, dreamy ambient moments, and “I’m inside a shop or similar civilian structure in a Zelda game”-type experiences. I love it!
Ulla/U.e - Hometown Girl (self-released(?), Jan. 2025)
It’s 11 am and snowing in a major way and the library is closed so I’m at home drinking coffee and listening to this and that’s pretty good.
Ben Parra is a librarian based in Western Massachusetts. He has a weekly radio show on Sundays from 8:30-10pm E.T., which you can listen to at WMUA.org, or at 91.1 FM if you're near Amherst. Mixes at Mixcloud (https://www.mixcloud.com/BBBBBBBENNNNNNN/)