SPACE AFRIKA — Quiet Storm

Space Afrika – QUIET STORM opens Dais Records’ 2026 output (catalogue 179356) as a 12-inch vinyl that pushes the duo’s experimental palette into a cinematic suite of urban dub, ambient textures and modern classical gestures. The Manchester-Berlin pair expands on the contemplative terrain first hinted at on 2021’s Honest Labour, weaving a narrative that balances boldness with tenderness while interrogating themes of identity, class and diaspora. Within Dais Records’ recent chronology, QUIET STORM follows Adult.’s KISSING LUCK GOODBYE (catalogue 178869) and arrives after a series of releases that include Purest Form’s RESISTANCE EP (DAIS252LP) and Stephen O’Malley’s Avaeken LP (DAISLP256). The label’s 2025 offering, Tor Lundvall’s BEAUTIFUL ILLUSIONS (DAISLPC190), provides a contrasting sonic backdrop, underscoring Dais’ commitment to boundary-pushing electronic works. Space Afrika’s own earlier pressings on the label (DAISLP1232 and DAISLP232) establish a continuity of self-produced, self-financed projects that this new record deepens. Side A begins with “VANITY FT AXELLE FANYO”, an explosive opening where Axelle Fanyo’s soaring soprano cuts through a string-laden backdrop, moving from lofty contemplation to visceral anguish. The momentum shifts into “CRYING NEVER HAD A VOICE”, a piece that lets sparse spoken fragments heighten its emotional weight. “FROM THE HEART OF KNOWING FT ALTO ARIA” continues the vocal thread, offering a reflective pause that bridges the surrounding tracks. “BALLAD FOR A ‘G’ FT RXKNEPHEW, KLEIN” injects a gritty, collaborative edge, while “BLACK AND GOLD” and “H00D AMBIENT” provide instrumental interludes that deepen the atmospheric sweep. The side closes with “VALIDATION FT ANY”, a concise statement that ties the A-side’s thematic arc together. Side B opens with “1,2”, a minimalist transition that prepares the listener for the collective march of “MLN FT TONY NJOKU”. Here, Tony Njoku’s contribution, alongside Gabriel Evans on guitar and lead bass, PIKE on drums and GB on keyboards and strings, creates a slow-building, immersive procession. “WE LIVE JOY” lifts the mood with a brighter pulse, leading into “PRETTY GOSPEL FT KIALA OGAWA”, a track that juxtaposes gospel-inflected vocal phrasing with the record’s experimental core. “IF THIS IS HELL FT DEUÉN” captures a single-take consciousness stream, its jazz-inflected percussive swirl punctuated by a sudden, dialogue-like break. The record’s denouement, “REGARDS”, layers rain-kissed organ drones, strings and keyboards against a subdued, hopeful hum, echoing the duo’s journey from struggle to resolve. Quiet Storm occupies a distinctive place in Space Afrika’s catalogue, echoing the self-reflexive approach of their earlier Dais releases while expanding the collaborative scope with artists such as Axelle Fanyo, Tony Njoku and Kiala Ogawa. The record’s narrative structure—interweaving spoken word, vocal features and instrumental passages—mirrors the fluidity of the 1970s radio format that inspired its title, delivering a suite that feels both episodic and cohesive. For DJs, the record offers a range of entry points: the dramatic opening of “VANITY” works as a powerful set starter, “MLN” supplies a deep, slowly evolving groove for late-night rooms, and “REGARDS” provides a contemplative closer that can transition into more melodic or ambient moments. Collectors will appreciate the cohesive vision, the involvement of visual artist Glenn Ligon (cover artwork “Figure #30”) and the careful curation of collaborations that reflect a broader cultural conversation. The release arrives as a 12-inch vinyl pressed on ICE BLUE CLEAR VINYL, matching the ethereal quality of the music with a striking visual presentation. Space Afrika – QUIET STORM, Dais Records, catalogue 179356, 12-inch vinyl, 13 tracks. Tracklist: A1. Space Afrika – VANITY FT AXELLE FANYO A2. Space Afrika – CRYING NEVER HAD A VOICE A3. Space Afrika – FROM THE HEART OF KNOWING FT ALTO ARIA A4. Space Afrika – BALLAD FOR A 'G' FT RXKNEPHEW, KLEIN A5. Space Afrika – BLACK AND GOLD A6. Space Afrika – H00D AMBIENT A7. Space Afrika – VALIDATION FT ANY B1. Space Afrika – 1,2 B2. Space Afrika – MLN FT TONY NJOKU B3. Space Afrika – WE LIVE JOY B4. Space Afrika – PRETTY GOSPEL FT KIALA OGAWA B5. Space Afrika – IF THIS IS HELL FT DEUÉN B6. Space Afrika – REGARDS