Miss Black and the Light: Black Light (Ode)

It seems a shame the reggae-driven grooves are pushed right to the front end of this otherwise interesting album because that sound has become, as previously noted at Elsewhere, such a default position for so many New Zealand artists.

Miss Black (Ngapata Black, daughter of the great Whirimako Black) finds a real point of diference when she gets into a more soulful style (the steamy midnight mood of Don't Stop, Notice Me)  . . . but material like the reggae-riddum Chillin here has so much more going for it (matters of culture, spiritual homes and pride are addressed) that the lightweight groove undermines the message.

I Think I kicks along neatly over a ska rhythm which mixes things up and is a highly addictive slice of soul-pop at the same time. 

And on So In Love -- which veers between intimate ballad and hard rock push -- she shows she can ride out a firestorm of rock guitars with confidence. Hush -- a real repeat play track -- has cool, subtle funk going on and again she brings something special in her delivery as she slips around the lyrics and rhythm, then cracks out "where were you when I needed you?" with contained rage.

And He Maimai Aroha at the end is just her vocal over a scratchy percussion and spare keyboards where the smart production makes her sound like an ancient voice reaching from a deeply spiritual waiata into this new century.

So get past the overly familiar reggae grooves and there are some seriously good songs and singing here. 

Like the sound of this? Then check out this.