CD Review: The Darbuki Kings - Lawrence Of Suburbia

The Darbuki Kings - Lawrence Of Suburbia
2008, Darbuki King Records

You know the Darbuki Kings, you just don't know it yet. Robin Adnan Anders (AKA Adnan Darbuki) is a founding member of the legendary Boiled In Lead, as well as 3 Mustaphas 3. Together with Antonio Albarran (AKA Antone Darbuki), they form The Darbuki Kings. The duo mix a wicked sense of humor with amazing musicianship to create Lawrence Of Suburbia, released in 2008 on their own label. Featuring sitar, Laouto, percussions and samples, The Darbuki Kings have created an album full of gypsy music with just a hint of a modern edge.

The album opens with Yasser Ubetcha, over seven minutes of rollicking misadventure that prepares you for what is to come. Highlights include Blues Eyes, The Silk Road, Timbuktu, and the frenetic Nine Time, which I can't get out of my head. The musicianship here is first class, as expected. Despite the tongue-in-cheek treatment re: cover art and title, this is serious music made by two top-notch musicians. Lawrence Of Suburbia is a pleasant surprise. While it's not the sort of thing I would listen to all the time, it's definitely one of those albums that will get pulled out from time to time for a listen.

Rating: 3.5 Stars (Out of 5)

You can learn more about the Darbuki Kings at www.myspace.com/darbuki or www.robinanders.com. You can purchase Lawrence Of Suburbia as a download from Amazon.com, or you can order a CD directly from Robin Anders. The contact information for ordering physical CDs is on Robin Anders’ website.