Bhangra - RotW

M - Melody

vocals (in punjabi) - melisma, microtonal intervals, high-pitch male vocals (tenor), simple, narrow range. Short phrases in punjabi, frequent use of minor 3rd.

A - Articulation

strong accents on 1st beat of bar

D - Dynamics

loud

T - Time/Tempo

fast (140-195 BPM), 4/4 metre

S - Structure

pop song form, often with intro, verse, chorus, instrumental sections

H - Harmony/Tonality

simple, one or two repeated chords, diatonic harmony

I - Instruments

Dhol, dholak, tabla, tumbi, sarangi, alghoza, male vocals, music technology, harmonium, drumkit, bass guitar

R - Rhythm

polyrhythms, cross-rhythms, syncopation, chaal rhythm - swung with a triplet feel, hoi! on beats 2 + 4

T - Texture

homophonic, melody + accompaniment

dhol

double-headed drum, two pitches - high + low, basic rhythms

dholak

adds decorative, complex rhythms, small dhol

tabla

adds decorative, complex rhythms

tumbi

one-stringed guitar plays repeated riffs or ostinatos using the chaal rhythm

sarangi

bowed string instrument

alghoza

Double flute instrument

modern features

fusion of styles (british-asian), western instruments and music technology

Artist, band

Panjabi MC, Malkit Singh, Alaap

harmonium

keyboard-like, wind instrument

Music tech techniques

remixes, sampling, DJ sound effects - eg scratching, drum machines, multitracking, synthesiser