Drum Struck

The Dhol Foundation - Drum Struck

1. Introducing TDF
2. Again Again
3. Desi Peeni
4. Favela Dog Funk
5. Naa Karde
6. Etran Dunyia
7. Peace & Love
8. The Love Neural
9. Ven Aqui
10. Home With You
11. Ganesh

A nice compilation of tracks, very much liked tracks 1-5 and especially track 11. Overall I liked the album however I think it missed out on a real full on Dhol track. I know Ganesh does come close but previous tracks like Drummers Reel from Big Drum: Small World and TDF Jam from Drum-believable are definatly much much better, especially for someone who loves the sound of the dhol and really enjoys playing it. Those are the kinds of tracks where when you listen to them, and you just cant help but tap your feet or begin trying to play the breaks/rythms with your hands when you listen to them (even when you are on a packed London underground train), unfortunately Ganesh hasnt quite managed that. Nevertheless an awsome track in its own right and really nice to hear the track open and close with a ganesh prayer.

One of the most iconic tracks Dhol Foundation have ever produced is After The Rain from their second album Drum-believable, Drumstruck attempts to recreate this kind of Irish track with track 2 (Again Again)and I have to say I loved it, alongside After the Rain and the TDF Jam it is one of those tracks that is constantly on replay on the ipod and I never get tired of it.

I tend to listen to the other tracks (6-10) on occasion, but to be honest most of them are not really for me.

This album however delivers a range of tracks for all those Classical, Reggae, Salsa, Bhangra or just you crazy Drummers out there, this album has something for everyone, a must buy if your a Dhol Foundation Fan.

On a Personal Reccommendation If you haven't yet got it I would suggest picking up Drum-believable You'll love it.

Look forward to the next release by The Dhol Foundation....

The 4th Album from the Dhol Foundation Catalogue. DRUM STRUCK! Sticking with the "Drum" theme for each title enforces the Dhol Percussive element. The tracks are once again very different. The general consensus feels very much studio live as going towards almost a full Live album, but not.
Introducing TDF
This is the track that TDF use for opening to the Live shows. The Album version has some narration on it from a documentary and another from the introduction from when the Headlined at WOMADelaide. this tracks gives the impression that the whole album could be a live album but it was actually done in the studio. A Bhangra style Dance beat rhythm that is typical for a Dhol Dance celebration track.
Again Again
This is the Big Irish track on this album. On the lines of the TDF Hit track"After The Rain", this tracks reel was written by Michael McGoldrick and produced by Johnny Kalsi.
With a similar backbone as ATR the track boasts the ease at which Michael demonstrates his skills on Irish Whistles (High & Low) Uilleann Pipes and even Mandola. Great Builds and Drops into the reels were created by JK and the Electronica element peeps through on occasions.
Desi Peeni
This is a Bhangra track full throttle! Featuring a traditional folk singer from Punjab called Surinder Saini. His high key vocals is typical of a select few singers that have this ability and execute amazing ability to demonstrate this style. Great Bhangra Track.
Favela Dog Funk
This track does what is says in the title. The Dhol drums effuse with Beatroots Samba School lead by the renowned Samba Teacher Gavin Lombos. Gavin also engineered the album and was additional production on this album. This co-write with Gavin has been a real hit at Dhol Foundation Live gigs. The track just oozes dance and happiness.
Naa Karde
Another Bhangra track with Surinder Saini again. This Bhangra track has a single time double time feel to it and almost drum n bass in some places that drops back into a heavy Bhangra swing.
Etran Dunyia
Another favourite this 6/8 feel track starts with a typical Womad style African band by the name of Etran Finatawa. Originally from the band Tinarawen, Etran's approach was a live track and his band all recorded together. Then kick in the Dhol Drums and from the middle of the song begins the Bass guitar and Electronica. This track is essentially a "Nodder". You just have to Nod your head to this one!
Peace & Love
As Bhangra & Reggae both have a swing shuffle element it makes them very easy to fuse them together. With the help of Glen LaTouche from the band Edward II, Comes a typical Reggae track that glen sings about The Dhol Foundation bringing Peace & Love. Skankin Bouncing and all Jumping Festival track all over happiness.
The Love Neural
This is the Big Chill on this album. Sitar with a grooving Bass Guitar that's quite mesmerising. Ballu Ji plays a wonderful piece in Bharvi Raag. Never thought Classical and Dhol would go together but yet another surprise.
Ven Aqui (Come Here)
The vocals of Gloria Garcia and a big Salsa number that winds its way through to you. Nice Brass section and Bass. Taalis on Drums adds a certain spice to the feel of the track.
Home with You
Another chilled vibe on this track and Daniel Mimra sings Home with You like Peter Gabriel would have done if he wasn't on the road when Johnny was recording! Daniel masterfully wrote this track to Johnny's production and Home with You was born. Shahid provides the Sufi style vocals and does a great job of supporting what Daniel does.
Ganesh
As with all the Dhol Foundation Albums, the monster track for the Dhol ensemble is Ganesh. A Dhol Drum Motif that builds to a massive monster. Then a Zeppelin style guitar and Cello riff assited by Barney Morse Brown kicks in and another build takes the album to another level. The Ganesh opening prayer comes back like the start and is the final build until everything is raging to finish on a high that allows you to breath out and relax!

Track Listing
The Dhol Foundation
DRUM STRUCK
Track Title
1. INTRODUCING TDF
2. AGAIN AGAIN
3. DESI PEENI
4. FAVELA DOG FUNK
5. NAA KARDE
6. ETRAN DUNYIA
7. PEACE & LOVE
8. THE LOVE NEURAL
9. VEN AQUI
10. HOME WITH YOU
11. GANESH