Essentially a duo of keyboardist/producer Robert Matt and saxophonist/flutist Annie Hilsberg, Yulara continues on "Future Tribe" to combine the sounds of acid jazz, world beat and various dance rhythms, both indigenous and industrial, in an engaging multicultural mix. Although this album is an extension of their two previous Higher Octave releases, "All Is One" and "Cosmic Tree," Future Tribe features the talents of several guests as well as Hilsberg's growing alto sax, flute and singing talents. The title track sways with a techno shuffle topped off with Hilsberg's sinewy flute and sax, gurgling synth and Afro-pop star Angelique Kidjo's chanting and singing. The other uptempo tracks are the album's best, where Matt's ambient grooves and clipped noises propel the band's organic fusion of global sounds. Even though the band slips into smooth-jazz territory, Yulara's world-beat mèlange remains one of the most interesting out there.
Todd Deery writes for Orlando Weekly, where this review first appeared.
