Land of Baboon, Vol. 3

Featuring a primarily Brooklyn-based pool of artists, Land of Baboon, Vol. 3 explores instrumental ambient downtempo using organic samples and live instrumentation. The third volume in a series that originated on the Baraka Foundation label, key tracks come from Professor Shehab, who explores sounds reminiscent of the Middle Eastern and percussion-heavy side of Bill Laswell; Catawampus Universe, with an undeniable chill-out contribution on "The Seed"; and Francois Lardeau, with the gigantic robo-groove of "Guigol's Band." The two contributions from Ratio (Shehab as well) are also standouts -- first with the out Cumbia of "Profile," and next on the abstract, symphonic "Segregation." With a unique mysteriousness to the music, much of Land of Baboon, Vol. 3 makes a legitimate statement with its bridge between world music and the chill-out aesthetics of bands like Morcheeba, Theivery Corporation, and St Germain.