Multi-instrumentalist Cunningham's Ishmael Ensemble draw on electronica, Radiohead's exploratory rock and their native Bristol's mellow trip-hop miasma as much as jazz, gaining a broad audience for their first two albums. This EP is an opportunity to collaborate with Bristol rapper Rider Shafique, whose husky, grave voice is at its heart, as he gleans meaning and seeks community on life's “journey”. Doleful synths and simulated, trudging feet mark ‘C90 Intro’ – referring to Cunningham's mix-tape beginnings – then ‘Polestar’ sees Shafique seek direction past “loose lips… false tongues”, Cunningham's sax in close support as Stephen Mullins essays Jonny Greenwood-esque guitar. ‘New Era’ declares Cunningham's interest in classic dub reverberations this time round, as sandpaper warps and wheezes cloud Shafique's pilgrim path. ‘Reasons’ moves from sour electronica into spiritual jazz, as rippling keyboards and harp and subtly remorseless double-bass buoy Shafique's closing pronouncements, and he wonders: “Are we living simply to die?” The Ensemble's attentiveness to their guest ends in Pharaonic grandeur suiting his profound progress. Though secondary here, their borderless strength is clear.