attackwithdecay posted the following Constructive Criticism: What a fantastic adaptation to a medium that has not represented taiko very well. Taiko is such a visual art form, that straight-forward recordings of songs tend to lose the vitality of a live performance. It is so rare to hear a taiko recording that has been adapted to the strengths and weaknesses of the album format. What am I trying to say? That On Ensemble has made an unquestionably great album. If you have seen them live, you know that in addition to their musical chops, they have beautiful choreography and movements. For the album, they didn't just record songs without the dance. They took the time to rework and adapt the material, and that time is well-spent. It is an album that highlights their varied backgrounds, most notably their time spent mastering the turntable and Tuvan throat-singing. The sound of the koto on Gengakki is part-way between a stately court instrument and a slap bass, and the resulting song is both beautiful and funky. Overall, "Dust and Sand" plays like electronica written by a drummer. The home-studio Pro Tools-esque sound effects are evident, and they mix well with the earthy sound of instuments made of wood and cowhide. It will get your head bobbing without resorting to techno cliches, or lazy drum machine programming. The song-writing is rhythmically complex, which should give percussionists something to smile about, but while most drummers' songs eschew melody for extended drum solos, On Ensemble keeps the groove going and the non-drum-geek listener engaged throughout. Their drumming really is rhythmic melody, which is a central concept to a taiko player, but a breath of fresh air for the standard listener. You have to listen to understand, but it is very satisfying. I give this five stars in the hopes that others are willing to give this album the chance it deserves. Spread the word, and move aside Kodo -- a new group is making music that stretches the boundaries of taiko.