This 2003 release denotes something of a return to action for this rather talented, acoustic-electric trio. In addition, this outing features seven new pieces amid some older works, and two live tracks. The band really shines through in its multi-layered blend of EFX-driven dance beats and jazzy grooves to complement an abundance of melodically tinged hooks. Effectively, taste is the measuring stick here, as the musicians' shrewd arrangements feature synth horns, quaintly organized treatments, and contrasting themes. No filler material here, thank you! It's an intelligently produced effort, consisting of polytonal works framed upon ostinato motifs, reverberating keyboard-based choruses, breezy guitar licks, and more. They even manage to align various genres such as American folk, worldbeat rhythms, and techno stylizations into various sequences and ethereal soundscapes. Essentially, few working units of this ilk successfully merge disparate elements into something so cohesive and idiosyncratic. A finely crafted program for sure! ~ Glenn Astarita