Instead of combining musical styles in the forced and ultra-serious way characteristic of many so-called post-rock bands, Need New Body operate with a sense of playfulness and surrealistic humor, splicing musical genes and creating something like a one-disc condensation of the entire Frank Zappa discography — but with a much more spontaneous and off-the-cuff feel that belies the band members' indie rock roots. Core members of Need New Body were previously in the Philadelphia-based psychedelic band Bent Leg Fatima (which disbanded in early 2000), and as might be expected, many elements of Fatima carry over to Need New Body, such a focus on drone and an overall Eastern flavor. Members of the Lilys, Ink and Dagger, and Aspera Ad Astra also make appearances, adding a freewheeling, arts-collective feel to the proceedings, but the band's sound remains distinct from any of the guest participants. Their music is a wild romp through 20th century music — from film music ambience and free jazz freakouts to worldbeat polyrhythms and hip-hop, even spoken word and klezmer are combined fluently; mellotrons and banjo are equally at home and complementary. But despite the eclecticism, there is a definite unity and flow to the music, and even moments of outright accessibility such as the almost rockish "C R Eyeball" and the otherworldly anthem "Gamble On/Banji." Besides the obvious influence of the above-mentioned bands, the only clear point of reference is the classic Krautrock band Faust, whose spirit Need New Body seem to be able to channel at will.