"Den of Thieves" is a compilation from ESL Music that came out in 2003, but don't let its age fool you. This is an excellent album showcasing some of the brightest talent the Eighteenth Street Lounge has to offer. With names like Federico Aubele, Ursula 100, The Karminsky Experience, Thunderball, and of course Thievery Corporation, the compilation is a deep mix of ESL Music's global sound. Latin, Caribbean, Middle Eastern and Indian sounds come together beautifully. It's a great introduction to the label, and a worthy addition to any collection.

1. Federico Aubele "Postales"
2. Thievery Corporation "Language Symbolique"
3. Les Hommes "Hommage"
4. Ursula 1000 "Samba 1000 (Nicola Conte Mix)"
5. Sofa Surfers "See the Light"
6. Blue States "Bare Bones"
7. The Karminsky Experience Inc. "Exploration"
8. Thunderball vs. Liftoff "Welcome Back Cooper"
9. Desmond Williams "Brooklyn Blues"
10. Thunderball "The Panther"
11. Federico Aubele "El Amor De Este Pueblo"
12. The Karminsky Experience Inc. "Departures"
13. Arkestra One "Into the Light"

The album gets started with "Postales" by Federico Aubele. A warm blend of Spanish guitar and electronica, with breathy female vocals, it's a track that grows on you a little more every time you hear it. Following that is a song by Thievery Corporation called "Language Symbolique." I'm pretty sure this is a previously unreleased track, and it's definitely not on any of the albums. Les Hommes contribute a track called "Hommage," which is pretty mellow lounge music with familiar French vocals.

The Nicola Conte mix of Ursula 1000's "Samba 1000" has the beats of an uptempo Latin dance flourish and the melody of a relaxed day dream. Flutes and horns play off purring vocals. The variety of percussion instruments create a rich tapestry of rhythm.

The Sofa Surfers put forth a slow trip with their song "See The Light." The gospel vocals uncurl over an easy-going beat with a socio-political message. The electronic effects, like subtle distortions and scratching, make this a very textural song.

"Bare Bones," by Blue States, is a layer cake of hand drums and low orchestra horns. Things get topped off with sweeping strings and uplifting horns. "Exploration," by The Karminsky Experience, has a wonderful psychedelic Indian sound. They use some great samples, a peppy beat, and a sitar to really get this track hopping. Thunderball and Liftoff square off on a track called "Welcome Back Cooper." Sitars ping and echo over squelchy bass, with an electric guitar for back up. The beat is peppy and some horns add to the good mood.

Desmond Williams contributes a track called "Brooklyn Blues," which has a trip-hop beat and some blues-y saxophone. Most of the melody comes from the slow notes of keyboards. Thunderball's "The Panther" has a swinging 70s lounge sound to it, with funky bass lines and drums. Echoing keyboards give way to showy horns. We're treated to another swooning Spanish song from Federico Aubele, with "El Amor De Este Pueblo." His electronic beats and strumming guitar pull you in, while the tricked out horns and subtle vocals dazzle your senses.

The Karminsky Experience gives us another go with their "Departures." A relaxed beat and a xylophone ping out the soundtrack for a stylish airport lounge. There's a snippet of violin that might have been pulled from a romantic movie, sultry and mellow. The last track on the album is from Arkestra One, and it's called "Into The Light." When it starts you think it's going to be very uptempo, but the piano that comes in sets the downtempo tone for the rest of the song. It has a slow jazzy sound that builds into something cheerful and laid back. The strings give it a film score vibe.

"Den of Thieves" is a wonderful mix of precisely the kind of Latin rhythms, slow funky soul, and relaxed sensibilities that ESL Music is now famous for. Because the vocals on these tracks are pretty subdued, it would make a great album for a happenin' party, or just chilling out around the pool with a cocktail. It's filled with a nostalgia for easier days, which makes it almost timeless.

~ Ethan Georgi

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