Transglobal Underground in Roxy, Prague

Transglobal Underground is a London-based music collective who specialize in a fusion of western, oriental and African music styles (sometimes labeled as “world fusion” or “ethno-techno”). Their early albums featured Natacha Atlas as lead singer and their single “Temple Head” was used in a Coca-Cola advertising campaign for the 1996 Olympic Games.

With some great track titles, TGU are back again, heavy on the beats, and with the spicy Indian influence stronger than ever in the sound, the bass bumping as heavy as any hip-hop release. Of course, it’s not all relentless rhythm—“Spellbound” shows a surprising R&B tinge, while “Pomegranate” takes a side trip to the North African desert, and “Secrets & Distant Dreams” offers exotic Middle Eastern promise. The funk quotient is higher than ever, and all the elements that have constituted the Transglobal sound come together more effortlessly than ever before, making a band that’s finally grown into its own skin and reputation, shedding the ethno-techno tag that dogged them for so many years. Like such fellow travelers as Banco de Gaia and Talvin Singh, TGU make music for a utopian one world, where all races, creeds, and colors are represented on the dance floor. —Chris Nickson

Roxy Prague, Dlouha 33, Prague 1, 2007-11-07, start 19:30, Entry: 450