NEW MUSIC MONDAYS: Jhene Aiko, Ezra Collective, Ibibio Sound Machine, Natanya, Nigeria 80, Bonobo, Standing On The Corner and Funkadelic

Jhené Aiko – Westside Whimsy 

(ArtClub International / Def Jam Recordings)

Jhené Aiko makes her long-awaited return with Westside Whimsy, a project that leans heavily into 90s West Coast nostalgia while staying grounded in her signature ethereal R&B. The album moves with a laid-back, sun-drenched ease, balancing smooth, surf-culture-inspired backdrops with intimate songwriting about romance, growth, and personal evolution. It feels like a natural progression from her past work, traded in part for a brighter, more relaxed perspective.

Standout moments land early and often, particularly on “Love Bomb,” where Ab-Soul slides in to trade slick verses over floaty production. The Kendrick Lamar-assisted “So Good” serves as a major centerpiece, showcasing effortless chemistry over top-tier Bounce. Meanwhile, Larry June pops up on “Neighbors” to add his usual laid-back, luxurious flair to the tracklist.

Aiko keeps the narrative vulnerable without losing the lighthearted edge that the title promises. It’s a warm, highly cohesive listening experience built for slow rides and late afternoons.

Ezra Collective – Here Because of Hope 

(Partisan Records)

London’s premier jazz quintet delivers another masterclass in communal energy with Here Because of Hope. Tracing the historical line of Black music from West Africa to the UK, the band weaves Afrobeat, calypso, reggae, and UK funky house into their jazz-rooted foundation. The project balances pure dancefloor ecstasy with underlying notes of resilience and emotional depth.

Tracks like “Bunny on the Rise” and focus single “El Corazón” radiate pure live energy, led by soaring horn arrangements and tight rhythm sections. High-profile guests elevate the sound seamlessly, including Leona Lewis providing rich vocals on “All I Need,” Pa Salieu bringing raw grit to “Only Love,” and Libianca lending her signature warmth to the closing dub track “Most High”.

Here Because of Hope stands out because it never feels overly academic or bogged down by its own ambition. It’s vibrant, body-moving, and driven by a shared sense of joy.

Ibibio Sound Machine – Chopping Mountain 

(Merge Records)

London collective Ibibio Sound Machine hits a peak with Chopping Mountain, their sharpest blending of West African highlife, electronic disco, and modern post-punk yet. Led by Eno Williams’ commanding vocals, the record hits with relentless momentum, stacking polyrhythms over heavy, synthesized basslines.

Early highlights like “Burning in Lagos” and “Concept of Love” bring immediate heat to the floor, balancing intricate percussion with razor-sharp horn lines. The title track “Chopping Mountain” stands as an absolute juggernaut of sound, showcasing the band’s mastery over groove and build-up.

The album captures the kinetic punch of their live shows in a clean, punchy studio format. It’s an energetic, globetrotting record that stays locked in from start to finish.

Natanya – ATTITUDE ERA! 

(Independent)

London singer-songwriter Natanya breaks out with ATTITUDE ERA!, a theatrical, genre-blurring EP inspired by the late-90s golden age of wrestling. Co-produced alongside Oscar Scheller, the project blends vintage R&B melodies with pop sensibilities and dramatic storytelling. It’s bold, expressive, and packed with personality.

Single “CANDYLAND!” delivers a sugary, infectious hook, while “PLAY WITH A KISS!” highlights her silky vocal delivery over smooth, bounce-heavy production. Tracks like “SHOW ME RIGHT!” and “HUSH” display her dynamic range, leaning into soulful arrangements with a modern twist.

Natanya uses the concept to construct an entertaining, larger-than-life narrative arc. It’s a confident statement from an artist who knows exactly how to build a world around her sound.

Various Artists – Nigeria 80 

(Strut Records)

Curated by Duncan Brooker, Nigeria 80 offers a deep dive into the explosive, independent music scene of 1980s Nigeria. Spanning highlife, juju, reggae, and early Afro-funk, the collection unearths 13 rare gems that flourished during a decade of massive economic and political change.

Highlife legends Victor Uwaifo and Nico Mbarga shine alongside Prince David Bull’s infectious “Soko Soko”. Other standout inclusions include Segun Adewale’s driving juju track, Lekan Animashaun’s late-era Afrobeat masterpiece, and I.C. Rock’s proto-hip-hop track “Advice”.

Nigeria 80 functions as both a crucial history lesson and an unbelievable set of grooves. It’s an essential package for collectors and casual listeners alike.

Bonobo – Distance In Static 

(Ninja Tune)

Simon Green returns as Bonobo with Distance In Static, an expansive, multi-continental electronic project recorded across Los Angeles, Tokyo, and London. Grounded in intricate organic instrumentation and precise digital processing, the album glides seamlessly through ambient textures, house grooves, and international soundscapes.

The tracklist boasts a stellar lineup of vocalists, featuring Pakistan’s Arooj Aftab, UK soul singer Joy Crookes, Nilüfer Yanya, and Japan’s Ichiko Aoba. Standout arrangements integrate historic Iranian samples and traditional guzheng recordings alongside heavy synth work.

Distance In Static captures Bonobo at his most detailed and atmospheric. It’s a wide-scoped, immersive listen designed for headphones and big sound systems alike.

Standing On The Corner – S.O.TC (“II”) 

(XL Recordings)

Brooklyn art ensemble Standing On The Corner returns with S.O.T.C (“II”), a tense, genre-defacing record that shifts between fried psychedelia, no-wave rap, and post-hardcore energy. Recorded by bandleader Gio Escobar and core collaborators, the album serves as a raw, challenging mirror to cultural alienation and chaos.

The feature list is as wildly diverse as the music itself. Ladybug Mecca and Styles P link up on “Man may not last,” Claudette Ortiz makes an appearance on “Secrets,” and Danny Brown delivers a chaotic turn on “How deep is the sea?”. Solange and poet Sonia Sanchez also team up for the powerful track “Sonia”.

S.O.T.C (“II”) avoids easy categorization at every turn. It’s an uncompromising, avant-garde experience built for listeners seeking something truly outside the box.

Funkadelic – Maggot Brain (2026 Remaster)

 (Westbound Records)

The 2026 remaster of Funkadelic’s 1971 landmark Maggot Brain brings fresh air to one of the most influential funk-rock records of all time. Mastered directly from the original analog tapes, this reissue restores every detail of George Clinton’s visionary Detroit production.

The iconic 10-minute title track featuring Eddie Hazel’s legendary guitar solo hits harder than ever, while classic cuts like “Can You Get To That,” “Hit It And Quit It,” and the wild chaos of “Wars of Armageddon” sound crisp, punchy, and modern. Bernie Worrell’s keyboard work and Tiki Fulwood’s drumming shine with updated clarity.

This remaster preserves the raw, heavy energy of the original tape while making it pop on modern systems. It remains an absolute essential piece of musical history.