As we reach the tail end of 2025, we’re uncovering some hidden gems from earlier in the year that have slipped under our radar, and Funghi, the latest album from Porto’s Barananu, is one of them. Released through Jazzego Records in March, Funghi hit us like a breath of fresh air, with its infectious grooves and adventurous mix of jazz, disco, and progressive rock, blended in a way that is spontaneous and free-spirited as childhood play itself. Funghi is not bound by genre, but rather, it explores a variety of influences, from the hypnotic and atmospheric elements reminiscent of Boards of Canada and the improvisational spirit of BadBadNotGood to the adventurous edge of Kamasi Washington and the lush and experimental textures of Stereolab, blending cosmic synths with laid-back grooves. Comprising some of Porto’s most talented musicians – Eduardo Carneiro Dias (drums), Xavier Nunes (bass), João Pedro Dias (trumpet), Fábio Gil (saxophone), José Pedrosa (keyboards), and Fábio Mota (percussion) -, Barananu have crafted one of the most fun, daring and groove-heavy records we’ve heard all year. In the works for four years, including a period of intense collaboration during the pandemic, Funghi is the result of their creative experimentation, as the band explains:

“This album is the natural result of four years of musical growth, including the unique challenges that the pandemic brought us. During pre-production, we intensified our collaborative approach with almost daily rehearsals, where each member actively contributed to the composition, resulting in more sophisticated arrangements and a truly shared artistic vision.”

A ride from start to finish, Funghi is an album full of surprises, joy, and boundless creativity, exactly what we need as we close out 2025. For a taste of what’s on offer, take a listen to two exhilarating tracks from the album, ‘Tiny Steps’ and ‘Ode Metro’.