“Morning Star” is Jura Soundsystem’s follow up to 2022’s “Return To The Island”. While that record was founder Kev Griffith`s COVID lockdown tribute to his rural South Australian home, influenced by the native fauna, ambient, classic Balearic and `90s street soul, this new set has much more of a skank in its step. The title track, for example, is a cool and breezy, tropical groove that seems to take its cues from the music that scored KU’s `80s “Look de Ibiza” video – firm White Isle favourites such as Linda Di Franco’s “TV Scene” – topped by a fine bit of jazzy guitar, that brings to mind Bongo Entp’s major Music For Dreams moment “El Rey De Pollo”. However, it also rides some seriously heavy live bass. 

“Hands Across The Sea” has a livelier bounce / bump, but “Savanna”, a definite highlight, sounds like collaboration between Island’s Compass Point All Stars and Basic Channel. Drenched in dub techno textures, while its rhythm recalls Grace Jones’ cover Flash & The Pan’s “Walking In The Rain”. Wafts of soft sax summoning “Signing Off” era UB40. 

Haunted by horns and echoed laughter, “Wah Fix” is, again, a little Ms. Jones-esque. The BPMs might race and rattle at a house-y 125, but the vibe is more a tight, taut, sleek, stripped back steppers. Similar sonically, say, to Grace’s polished take on The Pretenders. 

Jura Soundsystem’s “Morning Star” can be ordered directly from Isle Of Jura.