Yildirim, Derya & Grup Simsek: Yarin Yoksa (clear pink with purple smoke) LP

On "Yarin Yoksa", the show stopping intensity of Derya Yildirim backed by the psychedelic soul of Grup Simsek with production by Leon Michels has yielded a stand out record that challenges genre with a broad appeal and a powerful message. They refer to themselves as "outernational" over international as they say it suggests a sound that's more inclusive or "beyond borders". Derya, who sings and plays the baglama, is German born to Turkish parents. Drummer Helen Wells is Berlin-based by way of South Africa while keyboard player Graham Mushnik and guitar/bass player Antonin Voyant are both French. The collective influences they bring to Anatolian music make for a completely unique and fresh sound that both pushes the genre forward and champions its rich heritage. Nine of the tunes on the album are original compositions but they also take on three Anatollian folk songs with their own inimitable approach. The band has taken a big step forward that you can hear on this record. Derya's passion and authenticity is front and center and the music is too moving to deny.