Released: April 19, 2024

Genre: Soul / Jazz

From: London, UK

Label: Alberts Favourites

A few thoughts: Jonny Drop has been a defining figure within the London funk and soul scene in recent years. Smooth and soulful releases like The Only Sound and The Expansions’ Mosaic EP are examples of his ever-expansive compositions and sounds. He’s back with a new album titled Puzzle Dust with fellow South London legend and friend Andrew Ashong. The 8-track album features some incredibly vibrant melodies, incredible vocals from Andrew, who adds so much soul and emotion into his compositions. The groove on the opener “Lightgeist” is incredible, with the groovy basslines and guitar leads, the rhythmic drumming throughout, the synths and Andrew’s subtle vocals that complement the instrumental beautifully. The smooth, slow-pace of “Ephemera” is funky and atmospheric in sound, with this ethereal synth lead complementing the cacophony of drums, guitar grooves and basslines that add a real infectious groove to it. The dynamic drumming on “One To Free” is excellent too with a sweet, colourful melody and Andrew Ashong’s smooth and uplifting vocals about freedom and blessings. The jazzy inflections on “Blood” are incredible, with a playful melody and vibrant energy. The saxophone leads on “The Puzzle Dust” are fantastic, with guitar leads and keys that add to the colour and energy of the track. The real summer vibe of “Sun Sailing” (though the entire album is such a colourful and summer-perfect listen), but it’s Andrew’s gorgeous, emotive and gentle voice throughout that gives this track such a light end and feel-good energy. “Outsighed” is a terrific closer, a hypnotic and groovy track with incredible guitar leads and emphatic drums. Andrew’s playful and colourful vocals add to the groovy and soulful groove and aura of the track. Puzzle Dust is a vibrant, soulful, emotive and feel-good project showcasing Jonny Drop’s incredibly varied, dense and eclectic production, and Andrew Ashong’s soulful, uplifting and gentle voice throughout an album that is cohesive and just so good back-to-front.

The album: