Blood, Looms & Blooms

London-based, Iranian born DJ and musician Leila has straddled two divergent musical paths: her creations are often spooky, dark, and gritty — a decidedly more somber version of Mancunian DJ Mr. Scruff — but they’re also reminiscent of Ellen Allien’s quirky, collage-inspired noodlings. There are a number of cameos here by artists including Martina Topley Bird (Tricky), Terry Hall (The Specials, Fun Boy Three), Andy Cox (The English Beat, Fine Young Cannibals), and even Leila’s own sister, Roya Arab. “Mettle” is gloriously trippy and dense with swirling synths, distorted, rumbling bass and distant deep percussion, while “The Exotics” is sheer cocktail nation bliss, with Seaming To’s vocals (she of various Ninja Tunes recordings) evoking a kinder, gentler, Diamanda Galas or Yma Sumac. “Time to Blow” has an eerie, Tim Burton-esque cinematic feel, and M.I.A. comes to mind in the forcefully delirious “Deflect.” The playful side of this masterful artist is represented by tracks like  “Norwegian Wood,” a hazy goof on the Beatles’ classic, and the delightful “Little Acorns,” a carefree romp with a hopscotch beat and the sounds of toy-like horns and kids’ humming and singing.