Artist: Asian Dub Foundation Album: Tank

Year: 2005
Duration: 0:0-1

Tanking it up with Asian Dub Foundation: A of their Album

Asian Dub Foundation (ADF) is a British band that fuses elements of punk rock, electronic music, and hardcore ragga with South Asian sounds to create a unique blend that has captivated audiences worldwide. Their latest studio album, Tank, is a continuation of their politically charged, socially conscious music that has been their signature for over two decades. In this blog, we will take a closer look at the band's history, the music genre of Tank, the best songs of the album, the most innovative parts, and give our of the album overall.
ADF formed in the early 1990s in London, UK, with founding members Steve Chandra Savale, Dr Das, and Aniruddha Das, who enlisted Deeder Zaman, Sanjay Tailor, and later, Ghetto Priest to complete the band's lineup. Their music has always been an amalgamation of their various cultural backgrounds, addressing themes such as racism, immigration, and global imperialism. Tank continues this trend with tracks such as Stealing The Future and Youth Quake Part 1 & 2, which speak to the dire state of affairs in the current world political climate.
The music genre of Tank is a mixture of dub, punk, and electronica, with a nod to the early 90s dancehall sounds that ADF grew up with. The album's overall sound harkens back to the band's classic releases like Rafi's Revenge and Facts and Fictions. The use of traditional Indian and African instruments, combined with drum machines and basslines, provides a raw energy that is infectious. It's a sound that is distinctly ADF and lays the foundation for their social and political commentary.
The best songs on the album, in our opinion, are New Alignment, Mindlock, and Chandigarh. New Alignment is a slow-burning track that builds up to a climactic chorus with buzzing synths and guitar. It's a politically charged song that speaks to the disillusionment and disempowerment of the working class in the UK. Mindlock is a fast-paced track that combines ragga and punk with lyrics that tackle the theme of social and political control. Chandigarh is a standout track, featuring a guest appearance from rapper and activist, Kate Tempest, with tabla beats and a thumping bassline. It's a song that is both poignant and catchy, with lyrics that address the displacement of Punjabi farmers due to globalization.
The most innovative part of Tank is the interludes that serve as a bridge between songs, setting the tone for the next track and adding to the overall flow of the album. The interlude titled ADR Speaks… is a particularly interesting one, featuring a recording of trade unionist and former ADF member, Altab Ali, on the phone, discussing the current political climate with Steve Chandra Savale. These interludes provide a context for the songs that follow, reinforcing the album's message of resistance and solidarity.
In conclusion, Tank is an album that delivers both musically and politically. It's an album that stays true to Asian Dub Foundation's sound and message, with themes and issues that are as relevant today as they were when the band first started. The album's standout songs, particularly New Alignment, Mindlock, and Chandigarh, are proof that ADF still has a lot to say, and they are not afraid to say it. While it may not necessarily be their most groundbreaking release, Tank is a solid addition to the band's prolific discography and a testament to their artistic and political integrity.