After kicking off with a dubbed-out intro, Impossible Broadcasting moves into "The Khaleegi Stomp", which borrows in equal measure from the shifty shuffle rhythms of hip-hop and tabla, later adding a pop-inflected sitar melody and a choir chanting "Free, Free, Free." It exists between many idioms, but is beholden to none. It's a rather repetitive song -- fittingly, given that it's aimed at dancefloors -- and it doesn't so much end as segue into the next track.

"Stoyane/Male-Le" is the first of two collaborations on the album with the Trio Bulgarka, whose their plaintive harmonies are easily matched by a swelling bass line and dark drum programming. There's also a moody, sinister melodica line that could've come straight from a Clinic record. From there, we travel to the Middle East for a spot of "Drinking in Gomorrah", in which a quick-shake backing track is paired with a fanciful, globe-spanning monologue delivered by an initially cynical UK expat (TGU member Tim Whelan). The album's other collaboration features French hip-hop group Tatapound, who take on corruption in Africa in smooth romance language syllables over the sort of dense, multilayered backing loop that the Neptunes wish they could still produce. Again, the darkness is easily buoyed by the body-friendly beats and instrumental arrangements.

If you bought into the M.I.A. hype, you'd be a hypocrite not to give Impossible Broadcasting a shot. TGU haven't lived Maya Arulpragasam's life, they lack her Sri Lankan riot grrrl cred and, frankly, they don't summon their lyrics from the bleeding edge of personal experience, but as their name implies, they offer a certain amount of East-meets-West fusion. If you're prepared to look beyond the pejorative aspects of the "World Music" tag, and accept the fact that compelling sounds and performers exist beyond the reaches of familiar urban locales, they offer an exceptional starting point. Impossible Broadcasting is an inspired trip around the world, touching on styles so different that you'd think they couldn't co-exist. But they do, and the results can be jaw-dropping. Listen to them now, or catch them later when your favorite metropolitan club DJ spins "The Khaleegi Stomp" for a packed dance floor; either way, recognize that Trans-Global Underground have spent many years honing their craft, and they aren't about to stop now.

-Tyson Lynn