Cinescope

iTunes Review

D.C.’s Thunderball are known for mixing up genres like electro-soul, dub, lounge, and funk, churning out tunes that fit somewhere between soundtrack and dancefloor music. On Cinescope the trio adds in a more organic component, resulting in a sound veering away from the sophisticated cool of Ambassadors of Style in favor of the warmer Tropicalia and Afro-beat influences of Scorpio Rising. Consequently, the collection is a bit of a globetrotter and genre-shifter. If your dancing shoes are in need of a workout, let Cinescope rip: you can warm up with the slinky, East Asian-funk of “The Road to Benares” or the mid-temp groove of “Electric Shaka,” and work up a sweat with the soulful “Return of the Panther” or the hard funk of “Thunder In the Jungle.” Of course, you may prefer to samba to “Chicachiquita,” or get slinky with “Lost Vagueness.” There are plenty of flavors on Cinescope, and when it’s time to slow the tempo, you’ll find the downbeat jazz of “Elevated States” and the cool swirl of “To Sir With Dub” to be perfect, soothing soundscapes.