r-H, Blackasia Volume 1

Here's an electronica CD with a more international pedigree and a wider variety of beats. r-H (Rajesh Hardwani) uses Indian instruments and chants, both to form some of the beats and to spice up the flavors. There are jazzy horns in "Salvation Man," Japanese themes in "Sushi," traditional Chinese stringed instruments, interludes built around various found sounds ("Hong Kong Terminal," "Chinese Medicine Hall"), and other interesting stuff, some set to clubby dance rhythms, some with more subtle and naturalistic percussion, all of it good. This CD repays multiple listens.

Buy it through the artist's website or from CD Baby. ~ Jon Sobel