A former member of Cibo Matto, Miho Hatori has also collaborated with Smokey Hormel on two albums, and has been on recordings by the Beastie Boys, Gorillaz, Spoon, Mitchell Froom, John Zorn, and others. Her talents and tastes are broad and deep, and Ecdysis, her first solo release, is a sparkling synthesis of sounds and styles reflecting these various interests. Self-produced by the multi-talented Hatori (she also sings in Japanese and English and plays several instruments), the album is a funky, intriguing, and sonically rich work that intertwines electronic loops, bossa nova rhythms, and her dreamy vocals, then floats them atop a dizzying and delightful mix of global percussion. The highlights are many, including the irresistible keyboard hook of “Barracuda,” the infectious groove of “Sweet Samsara (Pt. 2),” the samba-soaked “Today Is Like That,” the catchy chorus of “The River of 3 Crossings,” and the way her sweetly versatile voice soars, hiccups, and coos out her evocative lyrics. Imaginative and stylish, Ecdysis is a memorable collection of cleverly structured pop gems.