Jordan Rakei ‘Between Us’ EP: A Passion Project From The Very Best
Jordan Rakei releases collaborative EP ‘Between Us’ on Friday 24th April. Image credit: Toast Press
“When you’re making music with the intention of releasing it, things can start to feel very serious. But this felt different. It took me back to my teenage years, making beats with friends and throwing them up on SoundCloud just because we loved it. It’s a super chilled, fun project, and I’m really glad it’s out in the world.”
– Jordan Rakei
Drumroll please… for that’s just how Jordan Rakei returns, with his first record since his live album shared with the world last July, recorded in 2024 (ranked Number 9 on TOPNOTE’s top albums of 2025, no less).
Out on Friday via Fontana, the multi-instrumentalist, vocalist and producer welcomes a different collaborator for each of the 5 tracks on brand new EP ‘Between Us’.
Across previous album ‘The Loop’, and by extension the 1 hr 43 minute ‘Live From The Royal Albert Hall’ showcase, Rakei laid out the full breadth of his talents and influences, unrushed and unending. Featuring choice solos from his on-stage counterparts, a collaborative essence has long existed in Rakei’s approach to music-making. His fifth studio record (and its live accompaniment) is a Niagara Falls of orchestral arrangements and career-spanning accomplishments, documenting an autobiography of sorts, with eye-watering ambition. The album was nominated for an Ivor Novello, saw him sell out his biggest ever shows on an international scale, and secured him the title of Abbey Road’s first ever Artist In Residence.
So where do you go after that?
In ‘Between Us’, Rakei distils the core ingredients of his vibrant, deeply layered sound into five tracks, each brought to life through collaborations with musicians among the best in modern jazz and soul. Read our review of the upcoming release below.
‘With everyone I worked with on this record, we set ourselves a simple goal: make a song in one day — and whatever came of it, that’s what it was. No overthinking. That freedom was incredibly liberating’ says Rakei of the record-making process.
That ‘first-take-feel’ was evident in previous singles ‘Easy To Love’ (featuring JUNGLE’s Tom McFarland) and ‘What It Gave Me’ (with Jalen Ngonda), and it stays prevalent across the EP; all for the better. It feels as though you’re eavesdropping on an extended jam session – a sentiment recently captured in our live review of previous collaborator, Tom Misch, at his intimate album showcase – which Rakei made a guest appearance at during his KOKO show.
As AI musters forward intent on clawing at our individualism and uniquely human identities, the rebuilding of connection through felt musical experiences which ooze from the speakers out is warmly welcomed. To learn it was this process of imperfect music-making that provided Rakei and his collaborators such liberation – and to hear it sound this good – is deeply reassuring.
“Rakei distils the core ingredients of his vibrant, deeply layered sound into five tracks, each brought to life through collaborations with musicians among the best in modern jazz and soul. ”
Rakei’s smooth notes cruise over Femi Koleoso’s hypnotic drumming in ‘It Never Ends’. A synthy backdrop brings a Mildlife-esque, stratospheric dimension to the EP’s upcoming single, which eases into a falsetto chorus inviting movement and gratitude. Ezra Collective’s Koleoso intended to make a song that was venue-ready. It certainly carries an immersive sound, fuelled by a faster, more demanding rhythm than many of Rakei’s previous slow builds or subtle head-nodders. The track runs parallel to the multi-instrumentalist’s comfort zone, reflected as partly what made creating it so exciting.
“Jordan is one of the most gifted musicians I have ever worked with. Beyond the beauty in his voice, it’s the ideas, the instrument playing, the imagination. I went in the studio to make music with him, instead I had a masterclass on how to make music.” Koleoso speaks of his feature on the EP as a ‘deep moment of pride’’, though the feeling seems – and sounds – mutual. It’s just a shame the song doesn’t break up into a bridge which sees Koleoso ‘lift off’, instead softening out a little sooner than hoped.
“Testament to Rakei’s directorial foresight, it renders its listener entranced on a journey into the seemingly pitless chasm of an expert musician’s mind. The abseil, conversely, is uplifting, energetic, and imbued with palpable passion. With ‘Between Us’, Rakei reminds us that music is best made, and enjoyed, as such.”
This semi-altered soundscape continues into FKJ’s-graced ‘Problems’; a sticky, bass-driven groove that offers strong competition for attention against Rakei’s vocals. It’s a night in a basement bar, a dark walk home in the city’s early hours… there’s something slightly sinister lurking there – lifted with the twinkling keys that conjure a mirage of streetlights.
The EP closes with ‘Monsters’; bringing those internalised shadows to the forefront, through the vessel of Nubya Garcia’s stunning saxophone performance, complemented with Rakei’s trance-like incantations.
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In ‘Between Us’, Jordan Rakei makes his riffs feel effortless, his instrumentation seem instinctive, and his harmonies sound heavenly. Would we expect anything less?
And whilst his handfuls of imported talent reach roots as far as France and America, his songs sculpted from sporadic writing sessions instead of dedicated studio recording time, the EP maintains cohesion. Testament to Rakei’s directorial foresight, it renders its listener entranced on a journey into the seemingly pitless chasm of an expert musician’s mind. The abseil, conversely, is uplifting, energetic, and imbued with palpable passion. With ‘Between Us’, Rakei reminds us that music is best made, and enjoyed, as such.
Jordan Rakei’s EP is released on Friday (24th) via Fontana Records.