Zu, Spaceways Incorporated

Featuring: Ken Vandermark, Hamid Drake

Originally released in 2004 on the highly influential Atavistic label, Radiale is back on May 22, 2026, bringing together explosive energy, avant-jazz improvisation and experimental rock in a landmark collaboration. Featuring saxophone player Ken Vandermark, bassist Nate McBride and gifted afro-american drummer Hamid Drake the record has a slightly more exploratory feel.

Listening to Radiale feels less like following a sequence of songs and more like being drawn into a continuous sonic current. The music is driven by hypnotic, circular rhythms and abrupt dynamic shifts, moving from sparse, almost suspended moments to sudden, explosive bursts. The baritone sax often functions more as a percussive force than a melodic instrument, while the bass locks into distorted, looping figures and the drums maintain a relentless, tightly controlled intensity.

With amazing cover versions of classic afro futurist anthems – the Sun Ra medley ‘We Travel The Spaceways/Space is The Place’, Art Ensemble Of Chicago ‘Theme De Yo-Yo’ and Funkadelic ‘You And Your Folks, Me And My Folks’ - Radiale was widely appreciated in underground circles and helped cement Zu’s reputation as one of the most innovative experimental bands in Europe. More than just a collection of tracks, it stands as a cohesive and immersive work aimed at listeners willing to engage with music that challenges traditional structures and expectations.