Amazon.comJudging by this eclectic collection, exciting things are afoot in New York's underground sound laboratories. Hell-bent turntablists and audio technicians are mutating styles such as dub, drum & bass, and ethnic music into a molasses-thick hybrid loosely termed "illbient." Some of the most respected names in the scene are gathered here for an exotic and seductive sound clash, anchored throughout by heavy bass sounds and trance-inducing textures. Standout contributions from Dr. Israel ("Residence Dub") and Professor Shehab (with Captain Kowatchi on "Fable from Arabian Nights") make this an essential genre primer. --Aidin Vaziri