Delhi 2 Dublin

Combine the Indian drums (tabla, dhol) and sitars of the subcontinent with driving Irish fiddles and toe-tapping Celtic progressions, keep the dynamics fluid with bhangra world beat soundscapes and you've got Delhi 2 Dublin. The Vancouver-based electronic world fusion quintet's first studio release has enjoyed a warm welcome from audiences, such as a past Canada Day on Parliament Hill that featured both Irish and Indian dancers. The disc surprises most when the diverse sounds ooze together, like on "Stage 5," where a Brazilian berimbau (stringed bow and gourd) and West African djembe (hand drum) join the sitars and synth, or the sunny highlife/rumba vibe of "African Odyssey." Core tracks like "Dil Nachlde," "Celtic Dub" and "Get on the Bus" are just that, bridging Indian chants, that infectiously upbeat fiddle and the various synthesized modulations. For most, the home-grown blend will either come off as fresh, addictive and jig-inducing or in some cases, less exciting after a few listens, but contributions from album producer Adam Shaikh and Third Eye Tribe's Jacob Cino lend further depth.