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CD Review
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Slate, CD Review >>
Balkanization!Gypsy music—old, new, and borrowed.By Jody Rosen Updated Friday, Sept. 1, 2006, at 8:01 AM ET
Kal Kal (Asphalt Tango, 2006)
Meanwhile, back in Eastern Europe, young bands are cross-pollinating indigenous music with Western pop. The Belgrade band Kal, led by brothers Dugan and Drasan Ristic, is one of the most voracious hybridizers, mixing rootsy "Balkan blues" with snatches of hip-hop, tango, bhangra, and, in one inspired instance, a keening Hawaiian steel guitar. Kal can be a touch too slick, and their taste in electronica is dodgy. (The techno beat in "Duj Duj" is pure cheese.) But when they play a frisky, acoustic drum 'n' bass tune or lean their fiddles and guitars into what can best be described as Gypsy ska, the results bring a wide smile. Kal's self-titled album topped the European world-music charts earlier this year; they will tour the United States for the first time this fall.
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09/01/06 >> go there
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