Brian Marsella Ikue Mori Archipelago X Japan Poster The Stepkids signed with Stones

The Stepkids signed with Stones Throw and found a real manager

While much of the chat surrounding Adrian Sherwood's legend has tended towards the scope and deftness-of-touch of his innovative production and remixing work

you also get the English singles such as "Bela Lugosi's Dead

The sonic collages and smooth downbeat jams with which they made their name are replaced with a soul/jazz/blues confection thats closer to a band like Brand New Heavies than anything else

one that has been notably compared to Fairport Convention's Sandy Denny

Brian Marsella Ikue Mori Archipelago X Japan Poster The Stepkids signed with StonesLaptop wizard Ikue Mori, master keyboardist Brian Marsella and classical percussion virtuoso Sae Hashimoto are Archipelago X, a dynamic new trio born during the 2020 pandemic. Recording at their home studios and exchanging tracks back and forth for months, the music is detailed, evocative and dramatically mysterious, blending electronica, classical, ambient, film soundtrack, pop and jazz into a remarkably original aggregate. Inspiring and engaging