Evaluate how effectively Afro Celt Sound System and Panjabi MC use

instrumentation and music technology to create these two fusion songs

The skeleton scores are provided in the Source Booklet
You should use your knowledge of musical elements, contexts and language in your
response.
(12)

Both of these pieces demonstrate some common features within their

fusion songs, with both having a lead vocalist who sings a melody and
lyrics typical of folk and pop music. In addition, the use of bass guitars,
sampled drums and digital work stations, all from electronic dance music,
can be seen in both extracts.
In Release, Afro Celt Sound System use instrumentation to effectively fuse
African, Celtic and Electronic music styles. In order to achieve this, they
use African instruments such as the kora and the African drum – which are
both traditional of the style. Alongside this, they involve many Celtic
instruments such as the Bodhran (which plays a syncopated
accompanying guitar-like riff with the African drum to expand the beat)
and the Uilleann pipes playing Celtic reel – with other instruments such as
the tin whistle appearing throughout also. These two traditions of music
are combined finally with electronic instruments such as synthesisers,
drones and drum machines that play loops typical of electronic dance
music. Therefore effectively fusing the three styles clearly throughout the
extract.
Panjabi MC use similar methods to fuse together traditional Punjabi music
with modern hip-hop and club style music. The use of a mandolin-like
instrument for its non-western tuning feature helps to give the song a
sense of an Indian rag. In addition, the tradition Punjabi style is effectively
fused via the Dhol (an Indian percussion instrument) which plays loops of
traditional Bhangra rhythms. The song’s electronic/dance style is carried
through by the use of drum machines and a bass guitar – both playing
standard loops which are common of dance and popular music. A muted
electric guitar is also seen within the fusion – which is not only a feature of
popular music but is also sampled from the 1980s TV show ‘Knightrider’.
In terms of music technology, Afro Celt Sound System use sampling to aid
in creating their fusion. Mostly, these are vocal and breath samples in
order to create interesting sonorities. In addition to this, there is evidence
of use of reverb and delay to create a sense of space/atmosphere in the
music and multitracking to build texture. Linked to the instrumentation,
we also see synthesised sounds and studio effects to enhance these.
Similarly, Punjabi MC also use sampling in their fusion of Punjabi and
modern club styles. This can be seen in the form of vocal, bass and other
pre-recorded samples and loops – which are a very common feature seen
in modern electronic and popular music. In addition to sampling, Panjabi
MC also effectively use devices of music technology such as DJ scratching,
delay, volume automation, EQ and panning which are all typical features
of DJ, club music – effectively fusing this style into the song.