There’s a certain kind of album that unfolds, like a film you didn’t realize you were watching. That’s the lane Alex Lakusta comfortably steps into with Island Ghosts, his sophomore release out April 17, 2026. The Toronto-based bassist and composer leans fully into a cinematic, genre-blurring space here, stitching together modern jazz finesse, post-rock scale, and a subtle electronic glow. Built around a tight six-piece ensemble, the record feels less like a continuous emotional arc, an “abstract love story without words,” as Lakusta frames it. And honestly, that checks out.
The album opens with “Introduction,” and it wastes no time setting the mood. A melodious guitar drifts in first, soft and unassuming, before the arrangement slowly widens, horns breathe life into the space, drums settle into a steady pulse, and suddenly you’re floating in this calm, immersive soundscape. It’s soothing, but not sleepy, more like the quiet before something meaningful unfolds.
Then comes “Waves in Pattern,” arguably the album’s most immediate pull. It rides on a warm, grounding bassline that keeps everything anchored while syncopated drums and airy synth textures swirl around it. The tenor saxophone and trumpet stretch the track outward, giving it that widescreen, almost cinematic glow. It’s groove-heavy but still restrained, choosing reflection over explosion, which gives it a lasting emotional punch.
“Return Ticket” shifts the tone a bit, leaning into something moodier. The music churns and hums with a low, droning warmth, while the drums feel slightly slackened, almost hesitant. There’s a smug, introspective edge here, like looking back on something you’re not quite ready to unpack.
By the time “Island Ghosts Pt. 2” rolls in, the album fully embraces its slow-burn nature. It builds patiently, layering textures, and lands somewhere between expansive and intimate.
All in all, Island Ghosts is a deep listen. It rewards patience, thrives on nuance, and lingers long after the final note fades.
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Review by: Naomi Joan