— Issue 104 —

Our album this month is an excellent addition to the Britxotica! series of compilations. The series title neatly describes an odd and yet undocumented pre-Beatles British musical scene where famed UK composers, as well as unknown singers and bandleaders, threw convention on holiday and went wild. “Palais Pop And Locarno Latin,” part four of the Britxotica! Series, heads to long defunct British ballrooms for a set of dynamic and often extraordinary dance numbers - charming cha cha chas (including "Cha Cha Pop Pop"), lively Latin, and some fabulously freaky foot tappers, including a classic version of "Cerveza". Composers and artists include ballroom band legends such as Edmundo Ros, Ted Heath, and Stanley Black, but Trunk have also found work by lost geniuses such as John Graven and John Warren who are very much worthy of reappraisal. Check out the rest of the series for more rarities if you haven’t already.

Our 12” this month is a complete contrast to the above. The artist, Sarathy Korwar is a US-born, Indian-raised, London-based drummer, percussionist, composer and bandleader. “Otherland” expands on the themes of South Asian identity explored on Sarathy Korwar’s politically-charged and critically-lauded album More Arriving, and gives a good taste of the flavours of the larger work. “Juggernaut” is our standout tune on this one, but there’s plenty on there for everyone.