'The Channel' by Monzanto Sound

Following an incredible run of three EPs since 2020, 'The Channel' marks the debut full-length for the London-based collective Monzanto Sound who continue their long-running association through None More Records.

As champions of music-makers that thrive embrace the challenges and opportunities to forge their own path, None More Records describe themselves on their Bandcamp page as "an eclectic imprint that embraces psychedelic grooves, bass-heavy room two electronica and experimental sounds that defy categorisation".  Inspired ideals that Monzanto Sound wear proudly when releasing new music.

Spearheaded by sensational tracks like 'Golden Romance', 'Time Lapse' and 'The Letter', past EPs 'Time Lapse' (2020) and 'Tomorrow, Tomorrow and Tomorrow' (2022) have presented enthralling melting pots of lush neo-soul beautifully intertwined with contemporary jazz and flashes of dub.  A musical landscape that not only conveys Monzanto Sound's fascinating musical aesthetic but further waves the flag for the enticing and progressive London sound typified by names like Joe Armon-Jones, Tim "Chiminyo" Doyle and Blue Lab Beats.  The group's third EP 'TT&T Remixed' opened the doors even wider to a slew of new electronic and club-friendly re-interpretations of the band's music thanks to remixers Dave Okumu and Natty Wylah.

'The Channel' sees Monzanto Sound build upon the groundwork of their past releases brilliantly presenting a nine-track album that demonstrates considerably more confidence than in their previous outings along with an apt overall evolution of the music listeners may have come to expect from the band.  

Comprised of vocalist Mimi Koku, keyboardist Mali Baden-Powell, drummer Wazoo Baden-Powell, guitarist Rachel Asafo-Agyei and bassist Anthony Boatright, Monzanto Sound once again present a project that gleams amongst the None More treasure chest paying off the patience of long-term listeners and boldly engaging new ones.

While a good chunk of the album's tracks demonstrate the signature effervescent energy and off-kilter production associated with the Monzanto sound, 'The Channel' truly excels through a series of near transcendental compositions that sees the band plunge deeper into sonic soundscapes that border on ethereal.  'Foxy Cotton', 'Black Gold', 'Midas' and 'Oracle' all capture these quintessentially celestial moments that position Koku's exquisite vocal against some phenomenal and blissfully immersive backdrops.  

For all of the infinite praises that will be lauded onto 'The Channel', the album doesn't just represent a creative peak for Monzanto Sound but it further cements the project as a milestone release within their ongoing evolution - one that may very well mean that their most thrilling work may still lie ahead.