Treologic, "Colabo" (Cigol),

Keyboardist Lance Loiselle (aka Laelo) of Chicago's Treologic states that the group's fourth release offers a harder sound and more traditional hip-hop production than in the past. This could signal an unwelcome change for fans, considering that this eclectic crew has always fused insistent rhythms with the organic flavor of live instrumentation. Thankfully, "Colabo" retains Treologic's identity as an alternative to cookie-cutter mainstream rap, while containing enough bite to expand their vision beyond generic "alternative" hip-hop tropes.

Containing only one MC, the engaging Billa Camp, Treologic hones in on a tight musical foundation unconstrained by formulaic samples. The live band allows for an evolution of moods and textures, while a manageable array of local producers and guest vocalists elevate the diversity. You've got hard-driving tracks such as "Run It Back," with its crunchy guitars and spooky, mesmerizing vocal hook by Tanya Reed, and "Starson," energized by B.B.L.A.C.K.'s reggae toasting and fierce beats from drummer JRoc the BeatPusha, the group's secret weapon. Others approach from a calmer angle, the soulfully nostalgic "Harlem Nights" (again with Reed), cocktail-hour jam "Relax Your Mind" and Gang Starr-suave "All I Need" tapping into Treologic's jazz-rap roots thanks to Laelo's nimble keys.

Throughout, Billa eschews political polemics while holding down a consistently thoughtful flow. His delivery is smooth yet authoritative in the tradition of Talib Kweli and Raekwon, turning out rapid-fire tongue twisters in "How It Goes Down" and countering the ethereal guitar noodling of "Notes to My Child" with an earthy exploration of his feelings for his son ("I was trippin'/Six months, now what a difference/I even got the little car seat for you to sit in"). Defying convention, the Malcolm X samples on "Somebody" transcend token alt-rap Afrocentrism in service of Billa's rhymes encouraging a focused self-concept, while the police sirens and "Just another day in the hood" chorus of "In the Streets" don't signal a gritty portrait of urban vice, but a love letter to the sights, sounds and even the varying weather of Chicago.

It's true that those who appreciate the diversity of The Roots and their live-ethos ilk will have no problem following Treologic's path, as "Colabo" doesn't sit still for very long. Still, in daring to venture beyond boho boom bap, this disc has something for anyone whose appreciation of hip-hop runs deeper than the hot new ringtone download