ANYONE looking for a handy guide to the complexities of world music should start right here.

Novices looking for an atlas to help them away from music's beaten track need look no further than Natacha Atlas, this Middle Eastern siren whose career has seen her work with everyone from Jean-Michel Jarre to Jah Wobble.

Forget about not understanding what's being sung, just immerse yourself in the cacophony of sound which Miss Atlas manages to conjure up with her army of musicians.

The sound of darbukas and shell shakers mix with cello, double bass and accordion to produce an eclectic album.

Rapper Princess Juli-anna brings a Western feel to Feen while Hayati Inta samples the sounds of the souk.

There is even a jazzy feel to Ghanwah Bossa-nova, a track that gives Atlas the perfect opportunity to showcase her vocal versatility.

This is an album unlikely to appeal to everyone but for those brave enough to give it a try it could open up a whole new world.

DL