MIDIval PunditZ return with another album of Indian electronic fusion music. Die hard fans of the PunditZ will already have this album, but this album will probably find them reaching some new fans as they push the boundaries of world music once again.

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Artist: MIDIval PunditZ
Label: Six Degrees Records
Time: 9 tracks/54:43 min.

If you have listened to an electronic world music compilation within the last decade, you have probably heard MIDIval PunditZ. They have been a mainstay of the world music scene for as long as I have been a fan of the genre. While they are a bit hard to peg down style-wise, “Indian electronic fusion” is a good starting place.

Guitars seem to be a bit more prevalent on this album, especially with the driving, building, monster opening track “Run.” However, fusion is the name of the game and plenty of Indian folk influences are also front and center throughout the disc. In some ways, it feels like you are getting a tour of the entire Indian subcontinent musical landscape while listening to this (both classical and modern).

Of course, one might be fearful that these diverse influences could lead to a very disjointed album… but this is MIDIval PunditZ we are talking about here. They are the masters of blending wildly different styles together into a cohesive whole, whether it is in one compilation song or any entire album.

Most songs clock in the 5-6 minute range, so be prepared to dig in and find a groove. Highly recommended for those that want something electronic with a world music influence.

By Matt Crosslin (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) (June 16, 2015)