From Celt Islam comes this unique fusion of electro, Arabic, dub and dance rhythms. There is a combination of middle-eastern, roots and psychedelic influence throughout this intriguing selection of tracks, with a recurring tabla sound running through the rhythms. The album opens with Halaqa, slow steady ambient dub with some dance-based synth in the background. An Eastern-tinged reggae inspiration is up-front on tracks like Resonate and Revolution Inside Me (the latter featuring Polish band Masala) while the reggae feel of Justice (featuring Danman) is given a darker tone by the electronic wash of sounds in the background. After a slow build-up, Bloodstain resolves itself into a credible dance track, while drum-and-bass is the driving musical form in the closing track Accelerator. The drum-and-bass of Illumination is a little different, with its deeper layers of electronic sound back in the mix. Meanwhile, Haq Ui Yaqin takes us closer to contemporary dubstep. The album brings together styles and sounds in a way that, despite the assertive titles of most of the tracks, is remarkably relaxed in its overall feel.

Celt Islam (Muhammad Abdullah Hamzah), from the North West of England, is a convert to Islam and, specifically, to Sufism – as reflected in the album’s title. The chosen name Celt Islam itself signifies this cultural mix, a blend of influences and sounds brought together on this album. The music here reflects an underlying mysticism and tranquility alongside some strong bass-driven dub and dance breaks: quite a combination. For anyone interested in enjoying music that transcends the arbitrary boundaries between roots, electro and dance this is essential listening.

Release: 16th October 2009 on Urban Sedated Records

Links:

www.myspace.com/urbansedated
www.myspace.com/celtislam