Amir Baghiri's "Yalda" is an exceptional example of world music matched with a modern approach to electronica and a persistent feel of experimentation that pervades this whole release. Mostly a percussive record, Amir Bahiri's rhythmical grooves never miss a chance to team with the beautiful environmental audio and the warm analog sonics and many times the percussions actually go in the background and let the warping pads and the sounds of nature lead the way through this fantastic journey. Recorded live, in a studio and on site (field recordings) in different places including Asia and North Africa, you'll get much of those two continents: from traditional instruments and traditional vibes to middle eastern percussive grooves that will remind of Muslimgauze's tireless drumming and programming or Gregorio Bardini's attentive experimentation and exploration. Egpytian dumbak, liquid drums, surdo, djembes, tamborin, Persian zarb, didjeridus, panjab clay flute, native iranian ney and sipsi, stone flute, tibetan gongs are just a few of the forgotten instruments that Baghiri will gladly bring back to our memories with enchanting and rapturing atmospheres of distant places and unknown cultures. An important testament of the peoples and the cultures of this planet. Simply beautiful and globally exceptional.