Nubiyan Twist - Chasing Shadows (2026)
This works on a surface level because it moves. The grooves are solid, the band is tight, and the interplay feels real. It’s never flat, never lifeless.
But it leans too comfortably into that groove. Tracks lock into a pocket and stay there instead of pushing forward. I keep expecting a moment where everything converges — horns, rhythm, vocals — into something decisive, and it rarely happens.
The features help with variation, but they also fragment the arc. It starts to feel like a series of strong moments rather than a fully shaped progression.
It’s alive and well-played.
It just doesn’t build far enough.
Pros
Strong rhythmic engine
The afrobeat foundation keeps everything moving. It never feels stagnant.
Rich ensemble interplay
Horn sections, percussion, and vocals interact dynamically — it feels like a real band, not layered production.
Textural variety through features
Guest vocalists bring tonal shifts and prevent full monotony.
Cons
Groove > structure imbalance
Tracks settle into pockets but rarely evolve into something bigger.
Limited escalation across the album
Energy rises and falls slightly, but no track truly peaks.
Slight compilation feel
Multiple features dilute the sense of a singular narrative arc.
Genre: Jazz Fusion
Country: UK
Final Verdict: 64% (Good Album)
Yearly Ranking: 103th / 242
Highlight: Chasing Shadows
Made me think of:
Ezra Collective
Kokoroko
Sons of Kemet
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