DJ Asif Ali and Martti Sewell are back with a vengeance with their third album "Witness of the World." After the success of their first two albums, "Digital Asia" and "Outer Perspective," their recent collaboration sustains the same edgy, urban infused sound Fusing Naked Beats has come to be known for. This fifteen track album is packed with Indo classical instrumentation and vocals, intermingling with Drum n' Bass and a splash of Dance Hall. This CD is guaranteed to appease listeners because its diverse musical influences.

Track one "Ru' Yah," begins with a chilled out Arabic vibe mingled with vocals by Sandhya Sanjana and Houria. This track exemplifies what Fusing Naked Beats is best known for, having a Funky Chilled out vibe that sets the tone for the rest of the CD. Later, the CD picks up the pace with an Electro-Tabla fused sound and the vocal accompaniments of Mehi "Ishq." I like this track because it's a different showcase of Panjabi lyrics mixed with Drum n' Bass instead of hearing it in its traditional Bhangra form. Track three "Freedom," is also by Sandhya Sanjana and Houria. This song is an Arabic inspired track with great percussions. This is a full out edgy DnB track and is one of my favorites. Track four "Psychotropic," is amazing because of its strong Tabla backbeat. Alok Verma skillfully plays the Tabla on this track, giving it a distinctly South Asian feel mixed in with a Drum N' Bass sound. "City of Angels," the CD's fifth track is a solo effort by Sandhya Sanjana, which is classically inspired. It had an ancient Mogul influence to it because of her vocals. It's also a blending of Eastern Indo sounds mixed with modern electronic influence. Track six "Needran," also done by Mehi set to an urban, hip hop groove. Once again, both Asif and Martti prove that Punjabi lyrics aren't all about being associated with Bhangra tracks. Track seven "Sunnah" has vocal accompaniment by Shahin Badar and has full on Arabic influence. It's exotic and sensual vibe is more of a chill out track instead of being a club banger. "Indian Pearl," track eight is done by General Levy and Unnati. It has a slow reggae vibe mixed with Hindi/Urdu lyrics. It's a great blend of both Eastern and West Indian sounds. This track is great because of its simplicity. Track nine "Odyssey," has an intro by Nikki Bedi, from the BBC Asian Network. This is a full on club track with it's pumped up Tabla vibe and rapid changes in rhythm. Track ten "History Lesson" has a dance hall vibe leaning toward a more West Indian influence. With vocals by General Levy, it has the kind of vibe you want to bump and grind to.

Track eleven, "Zoroastrian Star" returns the CD's sound to a more chilled out vibe. With soothing vocals by Unnati, it has a strong Indian classical influence. Track twelve, the title track is haunting and melodic. Asif lends his vocals to this track along with Sandhya Sajana. Track thirteen is another urban track done by Turi, Swami Baracus and Mic Assassin. Once again, Asif and Martti channel a more North American Urban sound, proving that their musical styles cross geographical barriers. Tracks fourteen "Maniakos," and "Deeper Reality Remix" are originally from their pervious CD "Outer Perspective." Even though these are great songs, I was kind of disappointed that Asif and Martti didn't keep up with the album's original sound.

Over all, I would give this CD 5 out of 5. This is the best Fusing Naked Beats release I've heard as of yet. It's edgy, urban sound is original and is something I would listen to again.

Key Tracks:
Track 1) Ru' Yah
Track 3) Freedom
Track 10) History Lesson

For more information, check out www.fusingnakedbeats.co.uk. You can also download this CD on iTunes.

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