"Firefly" by Indus (World Artist from the United Kingdom)

"Recorded live in studio, Indus' debut CD "Firefly" is an exhilarating mix of Eastern melodies and instrumentation performed with a jazz ensemble-like flair for spontaneity, improvisation and - not least, playfulness. Incorporating sitar, santoor (a 100-stringed instrument played with wooden mallets), Western flute and tabla, the 4-piece band stretches the boundaries of their Hindustani-inspired music in a musical exploration that's both rich in tradition as well as brilliantly modern. On CD-opener, "Mind the Gap," Indus' playfulness is in full evidence; a rhythmically complex piece that challenges each musician to stay true to the beat, it is an 11-minute workout of pure inspiration. "A Night at the Court" utilizes improvisational scat-like singing (called "bols," the language of tabla) over a regal melody reminiscent of classical Persian extemporization. In fact, the album's opus, "Esfahan," draws the neighboring cultures of India, Pakistan and Iran into sharp relief over the course of a wildly provocative 19-minute jam that gives each player more than ample space to improvise and experiment with melody, rhythm, tone and harmony. Equally challenging and rewarding, the evocative "Firefly" CD by Indus is perfect for fans of Indian music, or for listeners of similarly modern World Music visionaries (e.g., John McLaughlin's Shakti or Anouar Brahem).

-Trent C. and the RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team
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"African Moments" by Kowa (World Artist from Germany)

This album is a re-mastered version of the 1996 release "African Moments" by Kowa, and includes 3 brand new tracks. The collection of songs, most in a relaxed style, is inspired by the culture and nature of sub-Saharan Africa. "Asumebele" starts off like any mellow, adult-contemporary song but soon evolves into something more as a chorus of male African singers joins the melody. "Africa" is an interesting and esoteric song which features African instruments used in a quasi-psychedelic manner. "Zulu Dance" is a mid-tempo number with interesting interplay between a steady beat and a flittering African-style flute. Throughout, though, intricate and accomplished guitar work and inspired vocals reveal the range and depths of this multi-talented group. This album is perfect for those who enjoy a good Easy Listening / World Music experience, particularly a melodic and reverent variant from Africa.

-Sean B. and the RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team
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"Spirit In the Water" by Leni Stern (World Artist from New York(NY))

"Spirit In the Water" by Leni Stern is a World Beat album bringing the Western world the haunting melodies and rhythm driven music of Africa. Leni Stern's voice is haunting and beautiful, and holds her own over the large band playing along with her. 18 different people are credited with being a part of the recording, playing interesting instruments ranging from the shakers to the camala n'goni. She often switches lyrics between English and African dialects as you will hear in the song "Tell Me." Other songs seem to tell old African tales like "House of Thieves." If you're looking for something very different and very musical, you'll do well with the wonderful CD "Spirit In the Water."

-Matt M. and the RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team
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"The Cosmic Dance" by Burning Truth (World Artist from Oregon(OR))

"The Cosmic Dance" by Burning Truth sounds like part of a full live experience. The music is made dynamic by the use of a number of different exotic instruments and is obviously meant to inspire dance. Many of these instruments (such as the didjeridu, tablas, and cuarto) can be heard on the title track "The Cosmic Dance" and "Journey Back to The Void." Most of the tracks, like "Gypsy Groove," feature haunting vocals from both male and female singers, but some are simply instrumental. While this music is obviously meant for the stage (they often have fire displays in their live show) "The Cosmic Dance" will still be enriching through your home speakers as well.

-Matt M. and the RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team
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"I Stand Alone" by No Phear (Reggae Artost from New York(NY))

"I Stand Alone" by up and coming Reggae/Dancehall artist No Phear is very fitting for the modern, more urban turn that both the Reggae and Dancehall genres are making these days. This album makes use of fresh Hip-Hop beats while the artist raps in his native Jamaican dialect or patois. The deep and slow track "Mama Love" is inspired by the artist's mother and while it is very emotional, it sticks to the solid beats. "Da Wah Dah" is a very danceable dancehall track featuring artists Marlon and Pink Bling that will make the listener want to play it over and over again because of its catchy hook. "Eyez On Me" is another dancehall tune, reminiscent of Sean Paul, that makes an innovative use of voice machine effects over a progressive beat; it's impossible to not move at least one part of your body when this track on. The Reggae and Dancehall styles are transforming and this album is a prime, well-done example of that. Warning! This album contains Explicit Content.

-Trent C. and the RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team
Check out No Phear's music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular sites