Smooth

Contrary to unpopular belief, Smooth is not a Santana/Rob Thomas spin-off based on the hit song of the same name. Instead, it is the self-titled debut from Israeli down-tempo duo Guy Mansur and Shay Pure. Given the cinematic nature of their music, it’s not at all surprising to learn that the two met while working on a film soundtrack in Tel Aviv. "Floating” is the ideal accompaniment for exploring lunar surfaces, while wonky synths and jazz drumming collide on "Disable of Silence.” The disc’s backdrop of shimmering guitars, itchy synths, rumbling bass, and fractured beats is brought to life by the sensual vocals of Liati Mayek and Smadar Akray. Smooth serves warm sounds to stave off the winter chill.