Growing up with a mother that taught traditional Japanese and Okinawan dance, I thought that I had heard all there was when it came to taiko. On Ensemble, however, are teaching many to think beyond the traditional when it comes to the Japanese "great drum". The group’s first studio album Dust and Sand demonstrates their ability to blend traditional taiko with modern influences.

Opening tracks "Little Man" and "Gengakki" establish the more traditional foundation that serves as the basis for the compositions throughout Dust and Sand. With the strong rhythmic presence of the taiko on "Little Man" it is almost impossible not to visualize the incredible live performance that accompanies the audio. The two tracks also introduce the use of other traditional instruments on the album with "Little Man" featuring a Japanese flute and the instrumental "Gengakki" showcasing the koto.

"Fingertips" introduces the first obvious break from tradition with its English lyrics, however, with the chorus’ vocals closely following traditional Japanese melodies it doesn’t seem that out of place. This ability to unify varying styles is what allows Dust and Sand to flow with incredible continuity even with the introduction of turntable scratches on "Zeecha" and Tuvan throat singing and jazz elements on closing track "Taiko Overtone Quartet". On Ensemble approach the taiko with clear respect, but don’t allow that respect for tradition to limit them into performing the same music that has been played for hundreds of years.