Though completely accompanied, we couldn't pass up the latest outing by Marie Daulne and Zap Mama. An international conglomeration of sound, with African rhythms, lyrics in several languages and a thoroughly contemporary vibe, 'Amazone' is intense and compelling. Daulne's original compositions are all about groove, and can slither, snakelike, through moods hypnotic, such as 'Gissie,' with its repetitive arrangement and vocal clicks, or invigorate and invite, with the gently sensuous 'Songe.' The instrumental accompaniment is bass and percussion driven, a backdrop for the cyclical harmonic structure and relaxed vocal stylings which encourage improvisation. Imaginative, modern production really fleshes out the recording.