CD Review: M.A.K.U. Soundsystem's 'Mezcla'

M.A.K.U. Soundsystem
Mezcla
Glitterbeat

The New York-based, Colombian-infused musical adventures of M.A.K.U. Soundsystem are eloquently showcased on their latest album, Mezcla. The steady, Latin-beat is full of funky percussive sounds, Spanish vocals, and an Afro-beat-meets-Klezmer influence likely absorbed from their New York home and Colombian heritage. The result is a frenzied, funkified, and psychedelic romp through the Central American jungles and the subways of New York City. The music brings in a certain amount of jazzy elements, electronic undertones, and a vibrant rhythm section to electrify the music for an unforgettable forty-three-minutes. The tracks and vocals represent a high-energy product that is danceable, thought-provoking, and lyrically-strong. All in all, nine tracks round out the album. The positives are marked with indelible beats, catchy rhythms and melodies, and a hint of nostalgic elements encompassing Afro-beat, psychedelic rock, funk, jazz, dance, and electronica. Fans of Latin-beat, Afro-beat, cumbia, and related genres will not want to miss Mezcla. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Silva's 'Jupiter'

Silva
Jupiter
Six Degrees

Brazil's Silva brings us pop-infused tunes with R&B, electronica, tropical, Latin, and urban qualities on a new album that celebrates his love of Jupiter. As a child, the planet Jupiter has been a fascination. Hence, the album artwork illustrates this point from the beginning. The music is not spacey or atmospheric, as one would expect from an otherworldly image or album title. Instead, Silva's ethnic-infused concoctions showcase the lounge side of pop, jazz, and dance. The punchy rhythms and bubbling bass accompany traditional percussion and electronically-tinged arrangements with such ease and grace the album is sure to be a favorite of all who listen. Silva's vocals are soft and mellow, but very compelling. Fans of contemporary Brazilian music will love it. Everyone should get on-board with Silva's latest release. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Folkbeat RF's 'In Mixt'

Folkbeat RF
In Mixt
Sketis Music

The vocal quartet, Folkbeat RF, features the music of four Russian women, Svetlana Ivanova, Maria Zibrova, Svetlana Shestopalova, and Alyona Minulina on an incredible, contemporary release, In Mixt. The vocal harmonies are a bit like Finland's Varttina in parts, while some of the more popular arrangements are evocative of urban beatbox. However, the beatbox stylings are very appropriate and intriguing. There is a historic quality to the vocals, which stems from the ancient Russian influences. Sacred and choral music of Europe can be heard as a strong influence here. There are various electronic programming touches that bring about a new age and alternative presence. The songs are based on folkloric foundations, but the contemporary appeal reaches across genres and geographic boundaries with tunes that everyone can relate to. Fans of Russian vocal music, rap, dance, folktronica, and world fusion will find In Mixt to be a 'mixt' bag of wholly likable hits! No complaints here. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Donna De Lory's 'Universal Light'

Donna De Lory
Universal Light
Self-Release

The contemporary kirtan and dance princess, Donna De Lory, brings life to songs inspired from the heavens above on Universal Light. This album contains a dozen songs with remixes from some of the hottest DJ's and maestros around, including Carmen Rizzo, Atom Smith, Drumspyder, Willie Lewis, David Starfire, Freq Nasty, and Dub Kirtan Allstars. "Gayatri Mantra," "The Offering," "Praying For Love," "Jai Mata Kali," "Om Namah Shivayah," and "Luciana" are more dance-centered tracks. There is a trip-hop-infused version of the Christian classic, "Amazing Grace," while "Om Tare Tuttare," "Amma," and "By Your Grace" are more down-tempo and kirtan-influenced with lighter melodies and rhythms. Donna's vocals are bright, clear, and most of all--universal! ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Desert Dwellers' 'The Great Mystery'

Desert Dwellers
The Great Mystery
Black Swan Sounds

Amani Friend and Treavor Moontribe are Desert Dwellers that bring out the best in world rhythms, dance, electronica, chill, and down-tempo. The California duo amass an onslaught of atmospheric blurbs, washes, and arrangements that combine with world rhythms, voices, and styles that create a stellar musical result. There are some dance-worthy tunes here, but a lot of world percussion in parts keeps everything rather chilled. The upbeat, electronic sounds and beats creates a moving thriller or suspense film result that could be used on a film. Also, the music is relaxed enough in some places that allows it to work just as well in a down-tempo or lounge format ideal for relaxing, studying, or related activities. The ten tracks provide a diverse selection of tunes, sounds, and emotions that will satisfy everyone's inner psyche. The Great Mystery is not so mysterious, but it challenges the mind, body, and spirit with delectable sounds that nourish the soul. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Chico Trujillo's 'Reina De Todas Las Fiestas'

Chico Trujillo
Reina De Todas Las Fiestas
Barbes Records

Chilean cumbia, pop, and rock maestros, Chico Trujillo, bring out the inner dance in all of us when the percussion, guitars, horns, and vocals come out on their latest release, Reina De Todas Las Fiestas, which roughly translates to 'Queen Of All Feasts.' Well, feast your ears on these guys. There are some great South American rhythms here, such as the uppity "Alturas" with pan flute type sounds and steady percussion and a great beat. "Chatito" is another great tune with bouncy bass, heavy percussion, and a playful melody with loads of horn sounds and keyboard sounds. There are nine tracks, which span the gamut from Latin jazz, cumbia, pop, rock, Latin beat, South American pop, and neo-soul wanderings. Chico Trujillo brings out the best in cumbia beats. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Stash's 'Strip Me Bare'

Stash
Strip Me Bare
SAS Entertainment

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The L.A.-based, female musical duo, Stash, combine electronica, dance, and pop elements into an infectious result on Strip Me Bare. Steph Prost and Amanda Maze not only know how to create upbeat, dance songs, but they also toss in a few clever rap vocals and DJ artistry that is quite mature and innovative. The gritty, dance tune, "Upside Down," features pulsating and grinding electronica noises with crystal clear vocals. "Strip Me Bare" contains a few rap lines, swishy percussion, and heavenly vocal arrangements for an urban-inspired dance beat. "Red Cup! Pink Up!" is a feverish, dance tune with glorious vocals and buzz-laden electronica and sporadic raps. "Tear Me Down" is one of the best songs on the album and it represents a perfect blend of rap, urban, and dance influences with equally-impressive vocals. Stash resemble Katy Perry, Kesha, and a more mature and clever Lady Gaga. Strip Me Bare has alot to offer for dance and electronica fans. 5 Stars (out of 5) ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Kamerunga's 'Terra Australis'

Kamerunga
Terra Australis
Arc Music

The innovative band from Down Under, Kamerunga, invigorates the human soul with a mish-mash of enjoyable tunes originating from a variety of sources and inspirations, including the Balkans, Scandinavia, Ireland, the Mediterranean, Caribbean, and seemingly everywhere in-between. The jig-friendly tunes excite the Celtic vein at times, while other times, the music is ripe with contemporary folk and rock compositions in a lively, global-esque product. The multi-national influences imbibe the music with a type of authentic candor that is refreshing and unique, but most of all, infectious. While Yothu Yindi may be one of the most popular groups to come out of Australia, Kamerunga produces a more engaging and varied listening result that is mostly non-rock oriented. At any rate, the mix of jazzy, folk, roots, and globally-inspired tunes will set anyone's feet ablaze with musical fire. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Pajala Tatawin's Self-Titled Release From Sweden And Tunisia

Pajala Tatawin
Pajala Tatawin
Knapsu

The unlikely pairing of music from Sweden and Tunisia is eloquently-illustrated on Pajala Tatawin's new, self-titled release. With Scandinavian melodies, folk roots, and the Arabic classicism of Tunisia's Amina Annabi, the music showcases some magical moments with joyous vocals, chants, heady rhythms, and diverse instrumentation that consists of double bass, accordion, kalimba, guitars, percussion, and piano. "Koskenkorva" is a splendid song with various vocalizations, symphonic sounds, edgy folk roots, light rock accompaniment, and Scandinavian sounds that leave listeners yearning for a repeat. The accordion-led, "Maa On Musta," is a reflective song set in a traditional setting that is quaint and somewhat French-inspired. The dance-friendly, "Muhamed," is an Arabic and European-inspired whirlwind of ecstatic beauty and earthly roots. There are Gypsy moments, Arabic grooves, Scandinavian roots, and global rhythms and vocals throughout for a very cohesive and enjoyable journey. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Ireesh Lal's 'Ethnotronica'

Ireesh Lal
Ethnotronica
Self-Release

Ireesh Lal is an innovative electro-fusion musician with a knack for South Asian influences, jazz infused concoctions, and electronic music that is deliciously wrapped around a world music core. The six-song EP contains lush electronic blurbs, atmospheric washes, bubbly dance elements, and punchy trumpet sounds. The diverse instrumentation and song palettes are immensely addictive and enjoyable. The programmed grooves, trip-hop percussion, and contemporary beats elicit favorable responses from all who listen or move to the music. The pulsating sounds ebb-and-flow with such ease and adventure that nothing is the same here. There are hints of 1960's and 70's spy film scores, too. At any rate, Ireesh produces a beautiful recording with cover art inspired by the sounds of the album. This is a great project that is a must-have this year. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Abelardo Barroso's 'Cha Cha Cha'

Abelardo Barroso
Cha Cha Cha
World Circuit

The year is 1925. Through the smoky clouds of a Havana jazz club, one can spot the unmistakable Abelardo Barroso and his Orquesta Sensacion. The classic sounds of Abelardo's voice are backed by bouncy piano, authentic strings, and airy flutes that are arranged in cha cha cha, son, and similar music styles of the era. The folksy, jazzy, and danceable grooves of the music are very indigenous and familiar to anyone with an interest in Cuban music history. The heavy percussion in parts keep the music moving along. The poignant tunes are somewhat cinematic and breezy. In the same manner, the music is ideal for relaxing, dancing, taking a cruise, or dreaming of a place sunny and warm. Whatever you call it or make it, Abelardo Barroso's great voice and backing orchestra make the music come alive (and stay alive). ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Akale Wube's 'Sost'

Akale Wube
Sost
Clapson

Akale Wube's third album is aptly-titled Sost, which means 'three' in Amharic--the official language of Ethiopia. The music is highly groove-based and follows the early traditions of Ethiopian jazz, which is not too unlike the popular Ethiopiques series. About half of the music is based on traditional recordings and cassettes found in Ethiopia, while the other half of the songs are original compositions. The emotive vocalist, Genet Asefa, leads a few tracks with her seasoned voice in line with tradition Ethiopia music. The blurt of a trumpet, the beat of a drum, and a jazzy melody with Afro-jazz flavorings rounds out the gist of each song. However, each song brings something new to light--whether it be a hook, a sound, or a rhythm. Akale Wube know how to tease the feet with danceable grooves and lush sounds. This is another acclaimed album. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Troker's 'Crimen Sonora'

Troker
Crimen Sonora
Intolerancia

The Tex-Mex Balkan funk dance beats of Troker is multi-dimensional and definitely interesting. Troker brings heady electronica, jazz, and muted metal sounds to the alternative forefront throughout the album. There is a mix of swirling noises, sounds, and melodies that traverse the funk, cinematic, and psych worlds in such a fashion as to arouse listeners in a very positive direction. The music moves along with an earnest energy never really heard before in Mexican music. The music is quite contemporary and amorphous with no real multi-international origins, but anyone into experimental, avant-garde, and art rock will love it. The steady world jazz connotations on a few tracks suggests a down-tempo pulse, which they know how to pull off with ease. If you are seeking Mexican maracas, congas, and mariachis; then look elsewhere. These guys are so good they will blow the chimi right out of the changa! ~ Matthew Forss

Download Review: Jay Soul's 'Stay With Me'

Jay Soul
Stay With Me
JaySouLMusic

London's Jay Soul is an R&B, soul, and pop up-and-comer with a voice for romantic suavity and a skillful mind for songwriting. The new ten-track release is only available as a download for now, but that doesn't diminish the quality of the music. "Inspiration" is a neo-R&B groove with piano elements, neo-classical atmospherics, and a little guitar work that is bright, new agey, and contemporary. "Get A Job" opens with a dance-like melody and smart lyrics arranged in an R&B and jazzy setting with some urban fortitude that is not hip hop or rap-oriented. "Up" has a throwback dance vein akin to the dance and pop movements of the mid-1990's. The steady rhythm is multi-varied with flashy dance effects. "Stay With Me" is an R&B ballad with a majestic chorus, atmospheric keys, and heartfelt vocals. Overall, the album is very good with dance rhythms, R&B soul, and neo-classical-jazz and a side of pop. Some of the songs are not particularly catchy, but with repeated listens each song grows on you. 4 (out of 5) stars. ~ Matthew Forss  

CD Review: Gypsy Hill's 'Our Routes'

Gypsy Hill
Our Routes
Batov Records

Gypsy Hill is a contemporary gypsy, dub, and folk music group that specializes in the obscure and different. The music is akin to Klezmer, dub, dance, electronica, and Balkan beat sounds, though. The punchy horns, edgy percussion, and strings are playful and refreshing. The music is mainly instrumental throughout. Balkan music has been covered before, but never before has a throbbing, dub beat entered the genre. The lively and upbeat sounds are heady, swirling delicacies of dance music. There are eleven tracks that stir the soul and invigorate the mind. The popular group, Besh O Drom, is even featured on the second track, "Balaka." Fans of gypsy, Klezmer, Balkan jazz, European folk music, and brass bands will appreciate the indigenous complexities of the music. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Various Artists' 'Peru Bravo: Funk, Soul & Psych In Peru's Radical Decade'

Various Artists
Peru Bravo: Funk, Soul & Psych In Peru's Radical Decade
Tiger's Milk Records

Peru Bravo... is an upcoming release from Tiger's Milk Records that brings us the best psych, funk, R&B, dance, soul music from Peru during the 1960's and 70's. There are fifteen tracks that bleed with energy, desire, and fun. Every note is a magical masterpiece on every track. You will hear some raw stuff here by some unknown artists, including Laghonia, Thee Image, Black Sugar, Jeriko, Los Destellos, The Mad's, Los Comandos, Cacique, Los Holy's, and many more. The driving dance beats, garage-rock sound, and wild percussion are all accented with electronic embellishments that give the music a modern edge. The licks and chords are gritty and awesome with loads of psych to play with here. The throbbing keyboards, drum beats, and fluid bass-lines are unmatched. Anyone interested in world psych music will relish its tracks. Fans of Peruvian music will love the unadulterated songs. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: MOA's 'Maverick'

MOA
Maverick
Wild Child Music

A background in jazz and Afro-pop, Max Wild (aka MOA), is an innovative performer of contemporary dance and world fusion music with electronic beats and earthen rhythms with guest vocals from Chiwoniso and Jahaan Sweet. The industrial dance beats of "Hands In The Air" is a largely contemporary dance sound with gritty, synth-pop beats and an Afro-pop, urban style. The percolating electronic sounds of "Debo" brings an ambient, spacey tone to the mix that is not too unlike Tangerine Dream's instrumental works from the 1990's. "Barbarian" contains a spacey horn sound with laser-like embellishments and a heady beat that is new age, electronica, and experimental. Whatever the music is called or how it is defined is seemingly irrelevant. Once you hear the sounds your body will know it's great. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Brooklynshanti's 'Bedstuyle'

Brooklynshanti
Bedstuyle
Rhythm & Culture/Someplace Called Brooklyn

Brooklynshanti's dance and electronic musings incorporate urban, reggae, hip-hop, soul, South Indian, and world fusions that are all delectable and sunny. The reggae fusions on "This Feeling" and contemporary hip-pop of "She" brings a bit of rock and pop to the forefront, but the vocals are still the major part of the song. The sunny and scintillating dance tune, "Sun Salutation," is ripe with killer grooves, female vocals, and great use of percussion and keyboard effects. "Garden Of Ghosts" is a sweet, electronic song with light female vocals and sparkling percussion and digital effects in the vein of Beth Orton. Some tracks feature the music of Karsh Kale, Dani Mari, Tinakristina, Vanessa Beatriz, Evelyn Sharma, Jahdan Blakkamoore, and others. The music is relatively lo-fi with an emphasis on grooves and instrumental medleys providing a majority of the accompaniment, but the vocals are equally important and varied. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Prem Joshua & Chintan's 'Kashi'

Prem Joshua & Chintan
Kashi
White Swan Records

Prem Joshua & Chintan bring us some tantric and Sanskrit-infused compositions from India's inner soul on their latest collaboration, Kashi. There are nine hit tracks with a little Indian psych funk, contemporary yoga rock, and electronic elements infused with a good dose of percussion, vocalizations, and new age/jazz connotations that are ripe with world music elements. The transcendental songs are majestic, euphoric, and meditative. Of course, the tabla, harmonium, and sitar are a part of the mix, but the electronic and contemporary elements are a bit more prevalent. The result is a global fusion that covers dub on "Tumhaari Maya;" dance on "Gayatri Ghetto;" and modern embellishments on "All Roads Lead To Om," "Ya Devi Sarva," and "Lingashtakam." The devotional tunes are rather lengthy between five and ten minutes long, which allows for some expressive and thought-provoking results. There is nothing really comparable to Kashi, but the apparently-defunct group, Nuklearte, from Italy, is relatively close. If you love the South Asian-inspired modern grooves of yoga, Hindi, and mantra-style music, then Kashi will satisfy your soul. Best enjoyed with your favorite cereal : ) ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Alsarah and The Nubatones' 'Silt'

Alsarah and The Nubatones
Silt
Wonderwheel Recordings

Born in Sudan, Alsarah, has made Yemen and the United States of America home. Currently residing in Brooklyn, NY, Alsarah and her Nubatones bring to life a nostalgic East African pop with Middle Eastern and Arabic percussion and dance effects. The music is steeped in traditional oud and percussion, but it also includes a contemporary repertoire of bass, keyboards, assorted percussion, and additional vocals. The swirling rhythms and sounds of "Nuba Noutou" are especially entrancing with great vocals and a 'nubian' beat. There are eleven tracks that infuse a sense of exotica (at least from a Western point of view), which encapsulates the ethnomusicological work Alsarah has completed. No, the music is not convoluted or highly-contrived; instead, Alsarah and The Nubatones let go and create contemplative, danceable, and energetic works based on similar modes that have been played for hundreds of years. Hear the sounds of East Africa in a new light with Alsarah and her Nubatones as your guide. ~ Matthew Forss