Classified CD

Bond, the scourge of classical music purists, follows up REMIXED with CLASSIFIED, the group's fourth release. Derided by traditionalists for its visual and musical flashiness, the sultry string quartet snubbed its nose at the establishment and won over legions of fans with the notion that Bach, Beethoven, and Brahms could be party music. Besides stunning looks and eye-catching attire, the foursome is known for its dynamic re-workings of well-known classical themes--high-octane blends of familiar melodies, world beat, electronica, and dance rhythms.

The group sets the tone right away with the aptly titled "Explosive," a typically high-energy romp penned by Tonci Huljic, a major contributor to Bond's early success. Bond makeovers are applied to Tchaikovsky's "Swan Lake," Pachelbel's "Canon," Barber's "Adagio for Strings," Bizet's "Habanera," and a raucous version of Khatchaturian's "Sabre Dance." The album also finds the quartet expanding its musical arsenal with some exuberant vocals on the disco-era hit "Fly Robin Fly," as well as "Samba," a Latin-flavored workout. Anyone looking for an academic approach to classical repertoire has come to the wrong place; CLASSIFIED is for the many who've been captivated by Bond's fun-loving approach to the classics.

Bond (Pop): Haylie Ecker, Eos Chater (violin); Tania Davis (viola); Gay-Yee Westerhoff (cello).

Recording information: Olympic Studios, London, England (12/2003 - 03/2004); Eden Studios, London, England (12/2003 - 03/2004); Air Lyndhurst Studios, London, England (12/2003 - 03/2004).

Additional personnel: Lynda Richardson (vocals); Peter Huntington (keyboards, programming).