Voices Have Eyes, the latest release from Eccodek (aka Canadian producer Andrew McPherson), is an interesting world music/electronica hybrid that puts the emphasis on musicianship, not loops and samples. With the help of a dozen vocalists and musicians from around the world, plus a choir, McPherson creates a rich musical stew.

McPherson makes extensive use of dub-style effects on the CD, but the sonic manipulation always complements the instrumental performances. Contributing musicians include: Malian kora master Mansa Sissoko, vocalist Kiran Ahluwalia, Jason Shute on percussion and Fiji’s Savusavu Choir.

McPherson does offer a lot of tasty sonic weirdness, though, including his own treatments and “electronics and sonic goo” from Deliveryboy. I’ve got no idea what sonic goo is, but at least it sounds cool.

Voices Have Eyes is a very adventurous release, showcasing musicians from around the world, but it’s also very accessible because of the attractive melodies and interesting dub styling.

You can preview the new CD at the Eccodek site.

Tracks:

• Spacehall Dub -5:47
• Heart’s Desire Dub (edit) -5:28
• Words With the Griot -4:57
• Juju In Those Strings -5:51
• Bula Akuila -5:02
• Voices Have Eyes -5:25
• Fan the Flames Dub -3:36
• Set Sweet No Worries -5:21
• Heart’s Desire Dub (full) -7:35
• Juju In Those Strings (GeoRemix for National Geographic) -5:33
• Wosoubour (Vieux Farka Toure – eccodek remix) -4:49
• Spacehall Dub (ambient remix) -6:52
• Juju In Those Strings (ambient remix) -6:52
• Voices Have Eyes (ambient remix) -6:45