
VARIOUS: Reo - Contemporary Maori Songs of New Zealand
By Karen Hunter
A sampler of upcoming acts from all over the country 'Reo' is 100% Maori in terms of artists, language and songwriting. Many songs here deal with community-minded themes. 17 year old Maria Elliot spreads the love around with a beautiful mellow pop/R'n'B song dedicated to her kuia, while Kaitaia grandmother Cilla Gardiner fronts a funky old-school pacifica groove with great ukelele, traditional harmonies and a wonderful retro feel. Tumanao Harawira pulls out some exciting tympani samples and hip hop beats. Both Harawira's track Ko Hokianga Te Kainga and DJ Kommaikal's Tuturu feature powerful male voices interjecting haka style inflections behind funky rhymes, providing the kind of edge that would likely translate well globally given the interest in the haka lately. Another highlight is Ahakoa by the sibling duo Charnao's bitter sweet harmonies and melodic ideas. There's not enough space to really do this CD justice here but 'Reo' is a great introduction to a new batch of artists.
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