AMG Review of Friends, Fiends & Fronds

Alex Henderson
All Music Guide

A collection of mostly singles (both "A" and "B" sides) and remixes, Friends, Fiends and Fronds is yet another example of 3 Mustaphas 3's unpredictable and risk-taking nature. A generous dose of Middle Eastern and Mediterranean styles can be found, and true to form, the group successfully incorporates everything from Afro-Cuban salsa to Scottish/Celtic music. Some of the material, although enjoyable, isn't essential, and in general, this CD isn't in a class with Heart of Uncle or Soup of the Century. Nonetheless, there's a lot to admire here -- including "Linda Linda" (which brings together Afro-Cuban and Middle Eastern elements) and the Greek-oriented "Anapse to Cigaro." This is a CD that can make you think you're in Ankara one minute and Havana the next.