It's been three years since the Auckland-based 10-piece released their debut Rhythm & Rhyme, and these new tracks have been comprehensively road-tested in between.
Don't Keep Silent retains their percussive-oriented musical approach, with vivid colouring from the horns and guitars, but also sees them blending rock influences as well asmore mellow tunes. Early single and album opener Drownin' In It has an urgent, rebellious energy, pushing against life's difficulties.
Ae Ae is a heavier, hard-rocking Spanish language track, which introduces new band member MC Paaka Davis on some slick Latin rhyming, though some of the spacey-sounding synths seem a little unnecessary. The gem in the crown of this album is also its shortest track.
The two-minute seductive groove of The Best For You and the beautiful croon of vocalist Richie Setford, accompanied by yearning brass takes you somewhere warm and intoxicating, and leaves you wanting to hit replay immediately.
It's neatly contrasted with the more contemplative, eddying Don't Keep Silent, while Spanish language track Naquela Estrada, has a Pacific flavour, which is fun and breezy.
There's no doubt these guys are tight, talented live musicians, but not all of the songs translate with quite the same charisma on the album. It's a solid effort, with some beautiful highlights, but you should still see them perform live to really appreciate their charms.
Stars: 3.5/5 Verdict: Solid effort from Pacific-inspired, Latin-infused groovers
