Filastine

Filastine accomplishes two important things on ￡00T, his third album: he manages a compelling fusion of technology and multicultural musical influences, but also achieves the even rarer feat of making politically charged topics, from Fukushima to Glenn Beck, sound musically memorable. Grey Filastine's work shouldn't be defined in the usual way: measuring one album against another. Rather, his roles as a percussionist, software designer, performer and activist all come into play in ￡00T's success. It's becoming obvious that any World 2.0 fusion with depth requires years of contemplation and live performance. On album number three, Filastine has achieved a mature, rich expression of purpose. Primary signposts are North African and Indian rhythms, combined with micro-samples and bass music. Minor keys abound, but Filastine doesn't shy away from a good hook or pretty melodies. From the wobbly "Colony Collapse," interwoven with gamelan tones, to the Balkan-echoing cumbia of "Shanty Tones," Filastine's reach never exceeds his grasp.