Daru: Spirit Drumz Chapter One [ep/mix + review]

Staying true to his roots of spirituality and musical standpoint, Daru Jones introduces Spirit Drumz: Chapter One to us. A New York transplant hailing from Pittsburgh, Daru knew early that music was something he was going to incorporate into is lifestyle. With thanks to his weapon of choice in percussion, and his own production company, Rusic Music, he heads forward on a path of enlightenment as he embraces a born-again appreciation for a genre he calls Soul-Hop.

"Stand Part Two" introduces the album with a choir of chants and hand clapping. The imagery of walking down the aisle of church and being greeted with smiles comes to mind. The production isn’t overbearing, but also not strong enough to make a significant impact, which makes the track somewhat forgettable with the spliced beats and the sporadic yells. A highlight, "Spread Love Part Two" is an uplifting track with similarities of an Arrested Development-esque song. Harmonies of the love are yelled with the percussion leading the way. Daru’s production is showcased as the varied situations occurring mesh together cohesively. "Hold On (Somebody) Part Two" is smooth and vintage. Daru classic Al Green and transports it into the future, adding the edgy soundings of hip-hop by way of a synthesized vocal.

Spirit Drumz: Chapter One has done what Daru wanted since in the music business -- start a new movement. Elements of gospel, soul and hip-hop are blended well and nether one overpowers the other. While most of his tracks touch base with a higher being as subject matter, he'll be fresh as long as he can continue to artfully navigate the boundaries of traditional gospel and not become it. Overall, Daru's genre-breaking creation has a tremendous upside and is a treat to experience. Add this one to your collection.

Spirit Drumz: Chapter One (download it)