Search - Darbuki Kings :: Doumtekastan

Mysteries magazine review

Kim Guarnaccia | Surry, NH | 03/18/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"A whirlwind trip through Near and Far East, Doumtekastan is a delight to the senses. Part authentic musical travelogue and part fantasy-laden reinterpretation of pieces both old and new, The Darbuki Kings have pulled off a brilliant, incredibly varied collection of tracks, amplified by their talented playing. Their enormous respect for their material is augmented by their ability to play around with different instruments and styles, creating delicious new sounds while still keeping their musical and cultural integrity. The CD's tongue-in-cheek liner notes are written in that same playful vein, giving further insight into the spirit behind the album.

"Bollywood" is a perfect example of this hybrid spirit, with its jazzy sitars and a more modernized style that still pays tribute to the best of Indian music. An intricate melody rises out of the gorgeously drumming of "Subata," conjuring up a fairytale atmosphere right out of the Arabian Nights. "Sphinx" is its total opposite: it increases in tempo as it goes on in a frenzied whirl, elaborating on the bouzouki melody with the soft clash of cymbals. A lone string melody with the flights and scales of flamenco segues into a drum and string bonanza in "The Seven Thieves." More rousing drum solos mark "Laouto Romantico," but it is the resonant tones of the laouto itself that provide a hint of the roots of flamenco and Latin music in this mideastern-flavored gem.

"Jurjuna" is the CD's most tribal piece; rhythmic drumming and intricate tapping, one is bewitched by its constant shifting and reweaving. Finishing with flamenco-influenced flair, "Tuareg" is powerful and driving with its intense drumbeats and guitar, yet another wonderful variant on the myriad threads that the Darbuki Kings have woven together on this fantastic CD.

--Richard Mackenzie

Mysteries Magazine issue #20"