Modern Drummer
Date:  July 2004
Thomas Lang: Creative Control
[Five ‘Drum Kits Rating]

On this lengthy (5 hours, 14 minutes) double DVD set, Austrian drumming sensation Thomas Lang joins the ranks of Marco Minnemann, Virgil Donati, and Mike Mangini as one of today’s extreme-interdependence pioneers. Throughout this package, Lang performs countless advanced exercises for developing four-way independence around the kit. His feet and hand exercises are inspirational, while his multi-pedal orchestration concepts are mind-boggling. Amid all the complexity, the drummer somehow remains relaxed, well spoken, and articulate in his presentations. Other topics covered include orchestrating rudiments, foot control, ergonomic mechanics, advanced interdependence/coordination, practice and contempo-groove concepts, and the ever-popular stick tricks and showmanship. Lang also goes in depth discussing his Sonar Twin Effect pedal techniques. Several feature performances are included as well. Kudos to Hudson for yet another cutting-edge DVD that includes trailblazing features such as DVD-ROM audio files in ACID (PC) and REX (Mac) formats, which allow viewers to loop any exercise or performance and change tempos with affecting the pitch. Most beneficial, though, are the 94 printable PDF transcription files of Lang’s performances and exercises. Entertainment, education, inspiration, printable transcripts, audio files -- this set is a worthwhile investment for drummers wanting to keep in step with today’s cutting-edge drumset innovators.

Mike Haid