Album Review - On Ensemble
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On Ensemble
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Dust And Sand
Self-Released
Release: 8/01/2005
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Rated:
Review by:
Michelle Sander
| | | | | | | | The music of On Ensemble incites movement. The rhythms of taiko, which literally translates as "big drum" in Japanese, produce a kinetic response in the listener that takes me back in time to every Modern Dance concert I've ever attended, though the music is far too eclectic to place one genre on the album.
Taiko drumming began centuries ago and was used in religious ceremonies, on the battlefield, and in traditional Japanese celebrations. Modern taiko, however, has its roots in 1950s Japan. The style was brought to America and passed down from one generation to the next, maintaining the long-standing taiko sounds in their music and adding modern methods of mixing music and English lyrics, which are heard in a few of the tracks on Dust And Sand.
The founding members of On Ensemble, Shoji and Masato, grew up together playing taiko from a very young age and studying with many influential taiko groups. This deeply rooted knowledge provides the listener with a playground of sounds to explore. Each song is an album in itself, taking the listener on a journey with no idea of the potential destination.
The album begins strong with "Little Man" and "Gengakki." The pounding drums and overlying rhythms can't be described accurately with words; each individual must experience them. The tracks that include lyrics seem to sponge some of the power from the drums and are far from innovative. Take the lyrics from "Fingertips": "It's within my fingertips, fingertips. Will it be in my hands? / Are we free to be ourselves? If we know, I believe we can." Also on the song "Two by Four" we hear what I would have to assume is Japanese spoken in short amateur poetry night spurts. The music on the album is original and refreshing: stick to the drumming, it works.
Dust And Sand is a cool drink of water and a great way to begin any day.
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