The instrumental group Animus identifies the music they perform as "world fusion." Instead of striving for authenticity, the ensemble tries to incorporate a variety of ethnic musical traditions into a new artistic product that truly deserves to be called world music.

Their self-titled album Animus is an eclectic blend of contemporary and traditional musical styles from the Mediterranean, Africa, the Middle East and Latin America, with a pinch of jazz and rock. What gives this CD its artistic edge is that it consists entirely of original compositions rather than rearrangements of existing pieces. The novelty of Animus's music is further enhanced by the unorthodox instrumentation. The six-man ensemble creatively combines traditional string instruments like bouzouki and oud with saxophone and acoustic and electric guitars. Percussion is a key ingredient as well; congas, bongos, doumbek and drum sets all contribute to the band's unique sound.

The titles of the 16 compositions on Animus are either enigmatic, such as "Espinake," "Tohkhoro," "Metirorah," "Sagapo" and "Dr'or Yik'ra," or intriguing, like "Aphrodite's Kiss" and "Anza Street." Animus is not adverse to experimentation, exploring the possibilities of overlaying traditional non-Western patterns with contemporary Western musical styles. Numbers like "D'ror Yik'ra," "Funky Monkey" and "Funkimus" are all -- well, yes, very funky.

The group's percussionists get a chance to let their hair down on "Carnival," "Doumbaliki" and "Anza Street." Equally animated is the flamengo-like "Metirorah." My personal favorites, however, are the blends of Eastern Mediterranean styles such as "Morning Love," "Magical Nights," "Tohkhoro" and "Teke."

I think Animus sees its musical mission as "edutainment." The group not only performs at the usually expected venues -- festivals, galleries, museums, clubs and so on -- but has also collaborated with non-Western dance instructors and music teachers in workshops, classes and campus performances. Apparently they even run a program that specifically targets children of all ages and backgrounds, bringing them together through music and dance.

In these somewhat troubled times, in which we can discern a disconcerting tendency by some to pitch cultures against each other, the artistic work of groups like Animus can contribute to stemming that tide -- by showing us that ethnic diversity provides the ingredients for creating new cultural expressions, that will enrich -- NOT endanger -- our various traditions.

- Rambles
written by Carool Kersten
published 3 January 2004
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I'm going to be straight with you. I was NOT looking forward to reviewing this cd. I have heard many tremendous things about Animus and their talent, but to be quite honest, this music generally bores the absolute shit out of me. Usually when listening to world music I wanna beat my head against the wall until I die.

WOW was I wrong. Animus 16 track instrumental jazz/world fusion CD is AMAZING. It has almost every element I look for when listening to a CD. smooth changes, phenomenal mixing (if you want to know how to get a perfect instrument mix on your demo listen to this CD), and amazing talent.

Animus consists of:Bill Koutsouros- Bouzouki, Guitars, Oud, Doumbeck & Percussion

Bill Phipps- Congas Bongos & Percussion

Don Dinkin- Bass

Elliott Levin- Flute & Sax

Joe McCormick- Drums & Percussion

With Special Guest Musicians:

Hamit Golbasi- Nay

Jeremy Dyen- Tabla


This is a band you NEED to check out, even if you're not into this style of music. I feel like a better musician just listening to it. Why isn't this band huge? This CD should be in the World Music section of every music store in the Universe. So take my advice and check out this band live and get a copy of this superb CD. You can also contact them by going to www.Animusmusic.com


~ Joey D
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Animus' World Fusion CD is an uplifting, sexy, danceable, unique and stimulating blend of ethnic traditions that expands your mind while activating your body!  Makes you want to listen again and again, going to a different place each rich and beautiful time.  The CD features interesting use of rhythm and time changes, awesome dynamics and instrumentation.  Yes, Yes, Yes.....
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This cd absolutely overflows with an astonising array of talent, instrumentation and rhythms, rhythms, rhythms!  As a student of Middle Eastern dance, I find that it's virtually impossible to sit still while Animus-World Fusion plays. This cd just inspires you to get up and move. A real must have for anyone's music colection!!!!
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