The Darbuki Kings are about as original and unique as it gets. With their strong sense of political satire they take their music, well, to the moon, just like on the cover of their new CD Been Laden You Too Long.
If you are unfamiliar with these gents or did not see my review of Lawrence of Suburbia from 2008 then you need an introduction. These gypsy clad astronauts are Antonio H. Albarran (Laouto, Bouzouki & Sitar Guitar) and Robin Adnan Anders (Tabla, Tabla Beladi, Tars, Rigg, Dabola, Muzhar, Zills, Guitarron, Strings, Kanun).
In case you were wondering…since we decided long ago to start catapulting people into the great beyond, the lads decided that these modern day heroes will need some entertainment whilst traveling the vast expanse. So here they are awaiting their next interstellar gig on the surface of the moon, instruments in hand, ready to go.
All kidding aside, these two guys are very talented amigos, and the multitude of instruments they play is quite impressive. Although I enjoyed this album I cannot see too much variation on what they did last year-the heavy emphasis on percussion is evident along with the various stringed instruments. This all makes for some very interesting sounds and rhythms, a consistent blend of music that when all is said and done, serves as an atmospheric soundtrack that will be unlike anything you have ever heard. That fact alone should generate enough curiosity and interest in their music.
I guess you have to be a passionate music fan (like yours truly) to appreciate music like this and or have enough interest to check them out. But then if you are a gypsy at heart this will instantly lure you into a web of fantasy.
Kudos to Anders and Albarran again for a magnificent effort, I completely enjoyed my trip around their musical solar system.
I wonder when the next space shuttle is taking off for the moon?
Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck
