Founded in 1975 by guitarist Dan Gharibian and violinist Bruno Girard, Bratsch is a French band that defies nearly every attempt at simple categorization. Their fiery blend of Gypsy, Klezmer, Balkan, rock and folk styles creates a heady mix that is uniquely Bratsch. The band's work is not well known in North America, but they have played here on occasion and have built a small but loyal following. Their all-star guest extravaganza Plein du Monde was re-released on World Village in May, and now comes a brand new album, Urban Bratsch, the band's discourse on cities and song and the interaction therein. Paris, London, Naples, New York, Berlin... all these and other cities form their wellspring of inspiration.