Beats Antique: Blind Threshold (originally appeared in CIDER magazine)

I'm fairly certain that when the average person hears the term "bellydance" that images of breakdancing and electronica are not the first things to come to mind. These average people have not had the pleasure of experiencing Beats Antique and the popping, locking, explosive personality of world famous tribal fusion bellydancer Zoe Jakes. In recent years, Tribal Fusion, an offshoot of American Tribal Style Bellydance (ATS) has gained enormous popularity with its sharp locking punctuations and dark earthy textures, effectively crushing the imagery one normally envisions of glitter and hot pink sequins that goes hand in hand with traditional Egyptian Cabaret style bellydance. At the helm of this movement are a dance troupe known as the Indigo, consisting of Rachel Brice, Mardi Love, and Zoe Jakes, each with their own take on the form. Jakes in particular has fused her love of bellydance with her passion for the popping and locking elements of breakdance, and has created a version of the art form that is truly one of a kind.

As this movement has evolved, so too has the music accompanying the dance. Whereas traditional middle eastern music was the standard of old, these days fusion dancers can be seen dancing to anything, from breakbeats to classical music to Tom Waits. By far the most impressive product of this evolution is Beats Antique, a melting pot of world and middle eastern music mixed with elements of electronica, trip-hop and everything in between. The three piece outfit consists of composers David Satori and Tommy Cappel, and is topped off with Zoe's accompanying live performance. Their latest offering, entitled Blind Threshold, combines a bit of their trademark sound and takes a few adventurous steps forward, including actual vocals for the first time on the song "Rising Tide," and electrified harmonica on "There Ya Go." Standout tracks and my personal favorites are the tabla-heavy 'Egyptic', the strange western-style guitar flavored "Spiderbite" and the dark, glitchy strings and pianos on "Miss Levine." To be sure, Beats Antique have continued their impressive evolution over three full length albums and an EP, and Blind Threshold is a worthy soundtrack for creative minds and bellydancers alike.