Scotland meets Ibiza in this fantastical new LP ‘Musica Para Todos’ from Russ Forman aka For Mankind and East Coast Love Affair.
A long-waited studio collaboration from Scotsman and Pikes favourite Russ Forman aka For Mankind and Euan Fryer under the East Coast Love Affair guise (we think this is how it’s worked out), ‘Musica Para Todos’ is a deliciously layered LP that blends deep NYC garage vibes, dub roots and balearic charm. Think Larry Heard meets King Tubby meets Fila Brazillia, we think that would give you an interesting viewpoint to start.
We met Russ maybe a couple of years ago now at Cafe Del Mar and his overjoyed passionate conversation regarding music was plain to see. His love of Boys Own and Terry Farley was the anchor of the conversation but quickly we learnt more of Forman’s eclectic taste for all things exquisite. Euan Fryer is the director of Athens of the North and a staunch Edinburgh supporter. Running the Broughton Delicatessen & Cafe, Euan is always trying to give back to the Scottish lands. As a label head, Fryer is known for his incredible digging skills, uncovering rare gems and breathing new life into them via AOTN.
The LP opens with the tile-track ‘Musica Para Todos’ meaning ‘Music For Everyone’. Using Forman’s Spanish ad-libs over rhythmic organic drum patterns and glass-like synth melodies, this loose groove is a perfect starting point. ‘Ullal De Da Coloms’ is a Larry Heard-esque groove. Deep pulsing bass tones, shadowy shakers and ethereal synth swells drive this track deep in the chasm of electronica. ‘Punta Moscarter’ is a perfect balearic flavour. Snoozy, island flavours with lots of dramatic peaks. ‘Xylocopa Violacea’ is a transcendental piece of music, built or formed marvellously for that moment of release when the sun is about to dip into the sea. ‘The Morrígan Sings’ flips the vibe into a jungle, afro tribal sound. ‘Stay Above With Love’ has that post-bossa nova flavour with loose samba rhythms. ‘I Can’t Wait’ is another Brazilian flavoured groove that this time introduces the smooth, delicate vocal of Philomenah. ‘A Gradual Precipitation’ closes the LP with a deposit of liquid sound, embryonic-rain, non vocal serenity, I think that describes it.
Overall a beautiful, stunning LP from For Mankind and Euan Fryer. We hope there’s more studio sessions in the pipeline and hopefully we will get to hear a few of these over on the island soon.
You can buy the LP on both vinyl and digital release here.
