David Poole is one half of SA electro-jazz duo Goldfish, a classically trained musician who knows his way around the saxophone, flute and clarinet. He's also, it turns out, something of a fortuneteller.

"We're already on the first step of the staircase to the rest of the world," he told a magazine two years ago. Since then the group have become Ibiza regulars, toured the US, played with the likes of Fatboy Slim and Pete Tong, and had their second album picked up by global club franchise Pacha. Certainly a couple of steps up that staircase, then.

But Poole isn't the only clairvoyant here. In that same 2006 interview, Dominic Peters (bass guitar/keyboards) revealed: "Because I've grown up listening to a variety of styles of music, my mission is to incorporate these and bring jazz to a younger audience." That too has happened ? the group's seductive dance groove 'This Is How It Goes' must be the most overplayed local song since Freshlyground's 'Doo Be Doo'.

On 'Perceptions Of Pacha' it's surrounded by equally slinky tunes that effortlessly blur the lines between chill-out, bossa nova, Cuban habanera, electronica, Africana, and, of course, jazz, effectively piping the music straight into sweaty clubs and sundowner-session lounges. The popular lead single may strike all the right poses for the trendy sea and sand scene (ambient keyboards, sultry female vocals, inoffensive rhythms), but Poole and Peters refuse to be trapped in a Cafe del Mar cocktail groove.

Opener 'Sold My Soul' showcases the scat vocals and clean guitar sound of Zimbabwe's Max Vidima; 'Fort Knox' has the smoky-voiced Zakhile Moleshe straddling the world of a Wild West saloon (complete with honky tonk piano) and the pulsing electro of a Moby DJ set; and with its double bass- and brushed drum intro, 'Coming Home' transforms from a '30s jazz piece to an authentic meditation on Africa courtesy of Hlulani Hlangwane's soulful singing.

The barmy but brilliant 'Wet Welly' is the sound of Dixieland updated for 2008 ? complete with Stephen Hawking's voice simulator ? and wouldn?t be out of place on the equally batty 'Triplets of Belleville'; 'Soundtracks And Come Backs' segues from far-out flute to smooth sax to Poole's vengeful vocals; and swinging 'Cruising Through' tips its hat to Sergio Mendes' collaboration with the Black Eyed Peas.

If Poole's predictions are right it won't be too long before he and Peters are swimming with those big fish.