Cast the Dice

08/01/2026

At the tail end of 2025, Asher Gamedze announced the release of his forthcoming album A Semblance: Of Return, sharing then the staggering and sublime first single ‘Following Up’ as an introduction to the project’s collective vision and his ongoing “practices of assembly”. This week, the visionary and virtuosic drummer, composer and activist unveiled a second offering from the album with the astounding and compelling ‘War’ (...)

At the tail end of 2025, Asher Gamedze announced the release of his forthcoming album A Semblance: Of Return, sharing then the staggering and sublime first single ‘Following Up’ as an introduction …

07/01/2026

With Pullman’s long-awaited new album, III, now just a couple of days away, we’re down to the last preview before its release. Over the past few months, the Chicago-based acoustic supergroup have already given us two strong introductions to III, first with the dazzling and dreamy ‘Weightless’ and then the intricate and hypnotic ‘Kabul’, both of which marked their first new material in over twenty years. Today, ahead of the album’s release this Friday, Pullman have shared a final preview from III. The new track, ‘Bray’, (...)

With Pullman’s long-awaited new album, III, now just a couple of days away, we’re down to the last preview before its release. Over the past few months, the Chicago-based acoustic supergroup have a…

07/01/2026

David Moore is gearing up to release his new album Graze The Bell, on January 30th through RVNG Intl. The record marks his first widely released solo piano album, following two decades of work with Bing & Ruth and collaborations with artists like Steve Gunn and Cowboy Sadness. Stripped back to piano alone, Graze The Bell is Moore’s most personal release to date. (...)

David Moore is gearing up to release his new album Graze The Bell, on January 30th through RVNG Intl. The record marks his first widely released solo piano album, following two decades of work with…

05/01/2026

Craven Faults beautiful and ghostly new album, Sidings, is nearing its release date on January 23rd through The Leaf Label and today the British enigmatic producer has shared a second track from it called ‘Yard Loup’. (...)

Craven Faults beautiful and ghostly new album, Sidings, is nearing its release date on January 23rd through The Leaf Label and today the British enigmatic producer has shared a second track from it…

02/01/2026

Led by trumpeter and musical director Axel Kaner-Lidstrom, London-based ten-piece collective Levitation Orchestra have been lighting up the UK jazz scene since their formation in 2018. Bringing together some of London’s most exciting young talents, their music blends orchestral sounds, cinematic landscapes, rhythmic experimentation, and fierce improvisation, channeling influences from the avant-garde traditions of Sun Ra and Alice Coltrane, classical giants like Stravinsky and Ravel, and the rich heritage of London’s soundsystem culture. With an ethos rooted in community, Levitation Orchestra thrive on collective composition, with each member contributing to a shared vision. Last November, they released their third album, Sanctuary, a buoyant, ebullient and triumphant record. So we're beyond excited to kick off the year with the fiery and exhilarating mix they put together for us, filled with tracks that reflect the diverse musical world they inhabit. Press play and enjoy the ride!

Makaya McCraven – In These Times [International Anthem / Nonesuch / XL Recordings] Sun Ra & His Myth Science Arkestra – Fate In a Pleasant Mood [Impulse!] United Vibrations – …

30/12/2025

As we reach the tail end of 2025, we’re uncovering some hidden gems from earlier in the year that have slipped under our radar, and Funghi, the debut album from Porto’s Barananu, is one of them. Released through Jazzego Records in March, Funghi hit us like a breath of fresh air, with its infectious grooves and adventurous mix of jazz, disco, and progressive rock, (...)

As we reach the tail end of 2025, we’re uncovering some hidden gems from earlier in the year that have slipped under our radar, and Funghi, the latest album from Porto’s Barananu, is one of t…

16/12/2025

As 2025 winds down, we’ve paused to sift through the music that filled our year with joy and awe. It’s been an exhilarating ride through countless releases, and narrowing down the list was as tricky as ever, but after many listens we’ve settled on the 15 records that truly dazzled, thrilled, challenged, and moved us in ways we couldn’t have imagined. These albums, in all their brilliance, have been our constant companions throughout the year, transforming our days in ways that words fail to capture. While these are, of course, entirely subjective picks, we believe they’ll linger in our hearts for years to come. We hope this list helps you discover new musical treasures that will continue to enrich your ears and mind long into the future. So dive in and let these albums unfold their magic!

Tortoise – Touch [International Anthem / Nonesuch]
Petter Eldh - Projekt Drums Vol. 2 [Edition Records]
Matt McBane – Buoy [Gradient Music]
Woolvs - Large Ensemble
Sheldon Agwu – Kintsugi [Sanctum Recordings]
Black Flower – Kinetic [Sdban Ultra]
OCENPSIEA - Ensaio Sobre a Surdez
Fabiano Do Nascimento - Cavejaz [Leaving Records]
SML - How You Been [International Anthem]
Blue Earth Sound - Cicero Nights [Root Records]
Lucrecia Dalt - A Danger to Ourselves [RVNG Intl]
Snorkel - Past Still Present Tense [Slowfoot Records / Archaeon]
Chicago Underground Duo - Hyperglyph [International Anthem]
Mischa Blanos - Take Control [Longcut Records]
The Young Mothers - Better If You Let It [Sonic Trasmissions]



https://castthedice.org/album-picks/2025/

12/12/2025

With Pullman’s long-awaited III just around the corner, and following the dazzling and dreamy ‘Weightless’, the storied Chicago-based acoustic supergroup have unveiled a beauty of a second single. Titled ‘Kabul’, the track builds on their unique blend of ambient folk and post-rock with even more intricate layers of instrumentation and gently hypnotic rhythms. (...)

With Pullman’s long-awaited III just around the corner, and following the dazzling and dreamy ‘Weightless’, the storied Chicago-based acoustic supergroup have unveiled a beauty of a second single. …

10/12/2025

Last Friday saw the release of What Ails You, the debut album from composer and producer Essvus (aka Gen Morigami). A gripping and noise-driven album blending IDM, ambient, and drone influences, What Ails You is an emotional rollercoaster, reflecting Essvus’ struggles with mental health, family trauma, isolation, and personal healing. Drawing from both his personal struggles and his creative growth, Essvus creates a soundscape that is both haunting and cathartic. (...)

Last Friday saw the release of What Ails You, the debut album from composer and producer Essvus (aka Gen Morigami). A gripping and noise-driven album blending IDM, ambient, and drone influences, Wh…

05/12/2025

Mammal Hands have just dropped ‘Alia’s Abandon’, their first new music since 2023 and the first taste from their forthcoming album Circadia, set for release on February 27th. This marks a fresh direction for the band, with brothers Jordan and Nick Smart now joined by drummer Rob Turner (formerly of GoGo Penguin), who brings a new pulse to the trio’s evolving approach. (...)

Mammal Hands have just dropped ‘Alia’s Abandon’, their first new music since 2023 and the first taste from their forthcoming album Circadia, set for release on February 27th. This marks…

04/12/2025

Barcelona duo Los Sara Fontan have become one of the most compelling forces in Spain’s experimental underground. Operating with a true DIY spirit, violinist Sara Fontán and drummer/electronic shapeshifter Edi Pou (of ZA!) have spent years collaborating widely, nurturing community spaces, and insisting that music can live outside the usual industry grind. Following years of touring and experimenting, the duo are preparing to release their second album, Consuelo, on February 20th through Aloud Music and Gandula. (...)

Barcelona duo Los Sara Fontán have become one of the most compelling forces in Spain’s experimental underground. Operating with a true DIY spirit, violinist Sara Fontán and drummer/electronic shape…

03/12/2025

Last month, Erik Hall announced the highly anticipated release of Solo Three, the final album in his groundbreaking trilogy of reinterpretations of contemporary classical pieces, set to arrive on January 23rd through Western Vinyl. As with the previous albums in the trilogy, 2020’s Music for 18 Musicians (Steve Reich) and 2023’s Canto Ostinato (Simeon ten Holt), on Solo Three the Chicago-born and Michigan-based composer, multi-instrumentalist and producer reimagined iconic pieces from visionary composers, (...)

Last month, Erik Hall announced the highly anticipated release of Solo Three, the final album in his groundbreaking trilogy of reinterpretations of contemporary classical pieces, set to arrive on J…