Tool Shed Percussion | EQ Magazine

Whether you're composing a cue for the next Survivor reality series, underscoring an unnerving chase scene, or spicing up a ballad with some moody rhythm tracks, you'll want to keep a copy of Tool Shed Percussion close by. This collection of 49 rhythm beds is chock full of inspiring, expertly produced, and highly musical drum and percussion loops performed at a variety of tempos, time signatures, and feels. You'll find 6/8, 3/4, 4/4, swing, straight . . . it's all here, and it's all live. What's more, everything has been Acidized and REX'd for maximum flexibility.

TSP is tribal and organic sounding, thanks to the frequent appearance of traditional auxiliary percussion and use of odd and unusual "instruments," including tuned bamboo sticks, African clapstick, circular saw blades, trash can lids, Samsonite suitcases, crumpled potato chip bags, garden rakes, and much more. None of the loops are authentically Asian, Latin, or African, of course - just a hint of "ethnic" without coming off as the real thing, which makes it easier to mould the loops into whatever flavor you're going for.

Arrangment-wise, there's a basic formula: layered percussion on top of acoustic drum kits comprising vintage snares, kicks, and cymbals, which provide a darker, mellower tone than most modern kits. Kicks rumble, boom, and drone. Snares thwack like cardboard, while cymbals sizzle and steam.

Many of the kicks have obvious harmonic centers. Consequently, I found it necessary to re-pitch kick tracks separately to make them fit my needs. Fortunately, loops are presented as construction kits, so tweaking individual parts wasn't difficult. In fact, I have to commend the producers for doing an excellent job at isolating all of the elements. I've heard many construction kit libraries where only a few parts are broken out - not so with TSP.

Effects processing is kept to a minimum, but what's there is tasteful. Deep, rich reverb might only be used on one or two accent sounds, for example. It's enough to give a sense of air and ambience, but most of the material is dry enough to allow for further sweetening.

I can't heap enough praise on Tool Shed Percussion. Its documentation is informative and complete, the loops ooze with musicianship, and it's presented in several formats. This one's an undeniable winner. JOHN KROGH