Magpies and hope: a journey into Anastasia Kristensen’s Bestiarium

Far from the cold, hard edges and cookie-cutter music, Anastasia Kristensen is exploring anthropomorphic sound — and digging up “weird, small nests” of music. It’s just the kind of hopeful conversation we need right now. Enter this year’s Bestarium Sombre — and, if you’re lucky, catch Anastasia live. She talks to CDM about the work and that vision.

Loraine James has a new LP, it’s a free download, and it’s raw brilliance

“U Get Me”? Yes. Out today, Friday, Loraine James’ newest LP It’s Nothing Personal. is the kind of massive, glitchy percussive syncopation I would want to use to break in an excellent, brand new pair of trainers. Then comes deep bass, explosive rhythm, and heart-skipping vocals. (“Oi!”)

Peter Kirn - September 4, 2026

In masses of live electronic sound, Jad Atoui built an opus

It Will Take Forever moves through emotions in swells, as if pulling us through feelings. Composed and played live on modular synths from 2023 to 2025 in Beirut, Jad Atoui’s work almost sings grief through those electronics, in a world being ripped apart. Behind it, club-sized sub-bass impact rumbles like our own bodies. There’s now a video by Ralf Moussa, as well.

Peter Kirn - September 4, 2026