As a Vodou priest in New York City who formerly lived in Paris, Erol Josue lives in two worlds: the one where his roots are and the one where his mission is. He puts both worlds into his music, taking feverish rhythms and Creole cadences from Haitian religious ceremonies and musical traditions and giving them some western electronic, rock and funk touches as he forcefully belts his vision of his much-stereotyped faith.

It's a fine listen that delights frequently with sampled vocals, a wide-ranging mix of beats and soothing choirs in the background and a warm, full sound that frequently takes on dramatic dimensions.

The album achieves its height with "Atomp'A," which rises gently from a simple joyful song to an acoustic surge of multiple voices and thundering drums.

RIYL: Boukman Eksperiyans; Emeline Michel

By Jeff Gifford