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Bazuki: On the Map

A collaborative project spanning the best part of a decade, Jody Lloyd (Dark Tower) and Michael Considine combine traditional Irish instrumentation (bouzouki, bodhran and pipes) with samples and beats, forging a sort of Kiwi/Celtic folk hip-hop potpourri. The 'real zeal man'‚ raps interspersed throughout retain an Antipodean twang that can sometimes be cringe-inducing but certainly define the geographical borders of the project. Considine draws upon Irish history and traditional arrangements for some of the best tunes. The traditional element lends a familiar warmth and Lloyd's production and layering keep things interesting. The bounce of the rhythym track works with the surge of an acoustic guitar jig in Mel's Reel to provide an uplifting pub party feel. This is pentatonic roots music contemporised with computers. The earliest recordings (from 1996) would have been contemporary with Irish rappers House of Pain. The instrumental numbers are particularly fluid but Considine has an engaging and characterful voice and his lilt carries a tune and a story well. There are some awkward angles left in, but on balance 'On The Map' is a successful fusion of styles and an enjoyable and edifying listen