The Silent Partner

DJ Bootsie is normally found on the decks behind the European hip-hop crew Yonderboi. For his debut solo album, he draws almost equally on hip-hop sounds from the U.S. and Britain, trip-hop and downtempo influences, and musical elements from his native Hungary — elements such as choral voices, orchestral strings and dark, brooding East European melodies. Throw in what sounds like a Hungarian rapper (on the excellent "Vuluke Khall"), the occasional appearance of a '60s spy movie horn section, and a few healthy portions of technically impressive turntablism, and you've got a thoroughly refreshing take on the hip-hop basics. Not a single track on this album is less than fascinating, but particular highlights include "Horseriders Toward the Abyss" (on which a spectral female voice weaves in and out of some very nicely arranged strings), "Falconstalk" (on which an orchestra and chorus are cut and scratched with funky mercilessness) and "Tango Ronin" (a joyful celebration of twangy, spaghetti western guitar). The trip-hoppy "Only Thing You Feel" and the dark, brooding "Heart Repel" get honorable mentions, as does the film noir-ish "Kikoto," with its slow, swaggering beat. Very highly recommended.