We wanted to start the year with something amazing, and at first listen, drummer/percussionist Sam Ospovat‘s recently released album PIKI clearly earns this spot.

Hailing from Nebraska, and now based in Oakland, California, Sam Ospovat has been involved with several other outfits including Beep, Naytronix, tUnE-yArDs, Timosaurus, Anteater, Kapowski and many others.

Under the moniker PIKI, Sam released his self-titled solo album last November, which he describes as a “a collection of solo pieces, polyrhythmic songs, and sound tableaux”. PIKI was recorded with the help of Ross Peacock, Chris Golinsky, Carlos Arredondo and mastered with Eli Crews (Mwahaha, tUnE-yArDs, Deerhoof, Geographer). You can stream and download the whole album for free or on a pay-what-you-want basis via his bandcamp.
Here’s two gems from the album, ‘Choisi non choisi’ and ‘Non Clapping Music’, to enjoy as you start your new year!