Pacific Funkin' Heights

I'm only going to say this once so listen up good: Go get In A Quiet Storm. Put down your toast or whatever you're holding. Just stop it and get this album.

Devin Abrams aka Reno is a bit of a bloody genius, just quietly. If it weren't sickening enough that he is partially to blame for New Zealand's dub/dance/fun darlings Shapeshifter he comes and drops this slice of heaven.

Music for the grown and sexy, that's what I would call it. Tasty morsel after tasty morsel is offered up and you devour them, gratefully, until you are sated and a bit sleepy because it was that satisfying.

Using some of our country's finest talent including bandmate PDigsss, Joe Dukie and the previously gushed over Lisa Tomlins and Mara TK, it really couldn't go wrong but the sweet production of Reno ensures that it is funkin' genius.

You start off Dreaming, midway are at Peace and just Breathe and by the time The Show Is Over you are well and truly spent.

That's right, it's so choice that it makes me both corny AND lame. And that's fine by me.

Pretty much going to thrash it on Get SoulFunkDub this Wednesday from 6-8pm on Contact 88.1FM. Umm yeah, changed the show name. Just keeping you on your toes.

Thank you Pacific Heights. One clever little funker you are.

Myspace!!!
Website!!!

Electric Wire Hustle: Why the funk not.

Haven’t heard of Electric Wire Hustle? Don’t beat yourself up, this slice of neo-funk that’s got more soul than a sock with a hole are fresh to the scene as a group but made up of some well-established individuals in New Zealand music.

With involvement in groups such as Solaa, Olmecha Supreme and the Recloose Live Band, just to name a couple, it is safe to say that this Wellington-based trio made up of Mara TK, Myele Manzanza and David ‘Taay’ Wright have only just begun to bring the funk.

With a strong rhythm section ensuring your head bops, grooving melodies and instrumentals to suck you in and topping it all off with buttery, soulful vocals to make sure you get the message, they manage not only to hark back to soul sessions of a bygone time but also prepare you for what is yet to come in the future of New Zealand soul/funk music.

Unfortunately they do not have much readily available to preview as yet, best bet being via their Myspace page but the teaser tracks you can get, such as Gimme That Kinda, are a hint of what is in store for you when they finally do. The repeated lyrics and cyclic beat of the rhythm section have this grunting, tribal groove have you quite convinced that you do indeed give them that kind of something they speak of.

Currently they are supporting Matt Chicoine, aka Recloose, on his national launch tour for the new album Perfect Timing, and but none independently as of yet but be warned to keep an ear out, if they follow up to the promise they have shown they will indeed have everyone doing the Electric Wire Hustle.

www.myspace.com/electricwirehustle