CD Review: Radius' 'Seven Tales'

Radius
Seven Tales
Self-Release

Justine and Harris are the duo, Radius, hailing from New Zealand. Their music of choice revolves around roots, jazz, folk, old-time, experimental, and instrumental with a dash of world fusion. The seven-track release, aptly-titled, Seven Tales, is a relaxing, instrumental effort with rustic dobro, sweeping sax melodies, plucked guitars, and the occasional banjo and ukulele. The soft sax creates a moving and meditative spirit to the music without sounding too jazz-centered or cheesy. The spacious dobro hints at Western connotations that matches the creative ingenuity of the late-Bob Brozman. At any rate, Radius is a small part in the circle of life, but it brings with it great music and memorable melodies. Perfect for contemplation and meditation, but energetic enough to keep one awake. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Niels Gedge's 'Maui's Whale'

Niels Gedge
Maui's Whale
Self-Release

The folk and blues-tinged vocals of singer and guitarist, Niels Gedge, paints a beautiful picture of intelligent music from a seemingly-unlikely region of the world: New Zealand. The English vocals are emotive and ruddy, but always pleasant. Niels is joined by several performers on clarinet, sousaphone, percussion, piano, cello, accordion, upright bass, cross harp, trumpet, and a few other instruments. The songs are led by Niels' intense and honest lyrics that are wrapped around a heady mix of rhythms and melodies that never get old. The playful tunes bring in some blues and gospel overtones amid a folk background. Anyone searching for some great folk, blues, gospel, and popular music with classic vocals and a great mix of instrumentation will love Maui's Whale. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Ted Brown's 'An Unwide Road'

Ted Brown
An Unwide Road
Self-Release

New Zealand-native, Ted Brown, presents us with a country, alt-folk, and pop album that brings together a variety of influences on guitar, percussion, and strings. The candid vocals and witty lyrics are trademark folk compositions that are not steeped in traditional melodies and rhythms of Maori music. Instead, the recording is more akin to American folk music. Moreover, the vocals are in English and represent an earthy approach throughout the ten tracks. "Beginners Skin" opens with a few guitar chords and a pensive vocal medley. The song is rather laid-back and it does not vary too much. "Raining Roses" is a similar tune with a laid-back presence and emotive vocals that drift along. "Love Is.." is a poetic guitar tune with vocals akin to Paul Simon. The tune meanders along with light percussion and guitar accompaniment. "Blue And Grey" is another guitar tune with great vocals and a solitary guitar lead. There are back-up singers near the end of the song. Overall, Ted creates an engaging and thought-provoking album that does not disappoint. ~ Matthew Forss      

CD Review: Fat Freddy's Drop's 'Blackbird'

Fat Freddy's Drop
Blackbird
The Drop/!K7

New Zealand's Fat Freddy's Drop brings us a new album, Blackbird, which traverses the world of dance, reggae, jazz, funk, and soul. The music is contemporary and urban. There is also an element of electronic embellishments that drive some of the melodies. There are nine infectious tracks brimming with luscious hooks, reggae beats, and funky adornments. The group utilizes electronic sounds, trumpet, trombone, sax, guitars, drums, and keyboards. The steady melodies and funky rhythms reflect the Black sounds of America's 1970s and 80s. Yet, the music is still unique and groundbreaking with its own sense of style and direction. Fans of Afro-beat music, soul/funk, jazz, and reggae will find something to sing and dance about on Blackbird. It simply soars with unabashed brilliance. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Barefoot Divas' 'Walk A Mile In My Shoes'

Barefoot Divas
Walk A Mile In My Shoes
VGM/MGM

Barefoot Divas is a collective of six women with a connection to the indigenous people's of Australia, New Zealand, and Papua New Guinea. The vocal group is comprised of Aboriginals Ursula Yovich and Emma Donovan, Maori's Whirimako Black, Maisey Rika and Merenia. Ngaiire represents the Papua New Guinea connection. The opening vocal track by Maisey Rika is rather contemplative without any instrumentation. The serenity is short-lived, as "Never Forget" brings an amped-up, R&B and gospel composition to light. The Spanish-tinged, "Fortuna," is driven by the world fusion repertoire representing Greek, Chilean, and Peruvian elements. The work is largely vocal with a poetic, social commentary. However, the combination of vocals and contemporary instrumentation represents an edgy mix of world fusion worth listening to over and over. There are fourteen tracks in all. The recording was recorded live in 2012 at the Sydney Festival. This project could not have been possible without the group's creator, manager, and producer, Vicki Gordon. ~ Matthew Forss   

CD Review: Simon Spire's 'Uncomfortable'

Simon Spire
Uncomfortable
Self-Release

Born in New Zealand and based in New York City, Simon Spire is a great pop singer and guitarist with a knack for creating moving, upbeat, and catchy songs that are memorable and anything but uncomfortable. The clear vocals and good riffs are nothing to shake a stick at. "Today" is an upbeat pop-rock tune with full guitar sounds, harmony-laden vocals, and sparkling electronic additions that make the music shine with contemporary qualities. "The Blue Pill" contains a little piano accompaniment and a rousing vocal performance with limited percussion and instrumentation. "Liberate Your Love" contains an upbeat, dance melody with guitars, drums, and bass. Overall, the vocals are somewhere between Michael Stipe (REM) and Fountains Of Wayne. Check it out today! ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: The Black Seeds' 'Dust And Dirt'

The Black Seeds
Dust And Dirt
Easy Star Records

The New Zealand-based group, The Black Seeds, is best described as a reggae-funk-fusion collective with modern grooves and catchy vocals reflecting a soulful ambiance. The characteristic reggae beats are a staple of a few songs, notably "Settle Down," "Rusted Story," and "Dust And Dirt." The down-tempo leanings of "Out Of Light," showcases the band's subdued grooves and remarkable ability to create modern masterpieces reflecting a psychedelic edge. The funky tunes are great in every respect. The length is moderate, the variety is good, and the songs are unforgettable. On a side note, some of the songs contain quirky titles, such as "Pippy Pip," "Gabriel's Strut Club," and "Loose Cartilage." Anyone with a passion for The Black Seeds, or funk, fusion, reggae, and down-tempo/pop will love Dust And Dirt. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Te Vaka's 'Havili'

Te Vaka
Havili
Spirit Of Play Productions

The reknowned South Pacific enclave of Te Vaka continues to musically inspire audiences around the world. This is especially evident on their latest release, Havili. The group's members come from Tokelau, Cook Islands, New Zealand, Tuvalu, and Samoa. The traditional music is blended with upbeat, catchy rhythms that never disappoint. The incredible ocean of sound is extremely captivating. As with "Well...You Lied," on the previous release, Haoloto, Havili features one equally-upbeat, anthemic display of vocal and lyrical prowess on "Lovely World." The songs are in various languages, including Samoan, Tokelauan, Tuvaluan, and English. The traditional log drums and contemporary musical arrangements are a perfect mix. The instrumental percussion segments are very intriguing. Anyone with an interest in South Pacific music and island rhythms should have a lot to sing about with Te Vaka's seventh release. ~ Matthew Forss 

CD Review: New Zealand's Fat Freddys Drop 'Live At Roundhouse London'

Fat Freddys Drop

Live At Roundhouse London

The Drop

With the last show on the 2008 Tour, the New Zealand dub-electronic-urban-dance-groove band, Fat Freddys Drop, presents a glorious set of soulful, jazzy, and bluesy dance music from the London venue. The set of songs runs for more than 75 minutes in length with no intermission or interruptions. The groovy-reggae-dub of "Pull The Catch" and "The Raft" is infectious beyond belief, along with the opener, "The Camel." Only six songs are included, but again, the show is well over an hour in length and there is alot of instrumental grooving going on. A smattering of applause can be heard on some of the songs. A variety of electronic sound effects and trip hop or house musical effects provide a good dash of modernization. This is not your traditional Maori music. This is music for those craving good dance beats and killer grooves. Perhaps fans of dub-step, afro-beat, jazz-beat, soul-beat, and other similar styles would find Fat Freddys Drop a must-have. The lyrics are in English. ~ Matthew Forss