Sunday, 21 June 2020

Shankara NZ 'Dawn Chorus.' Review






Artist: Shankara NZ




Title: Dawn Chorus E.P.




Label: Dubmission Records




Released: Friday 26th June









The official blurb for this release informs me that although they are better known for their productions alongside the Desert Dwellers and Grouch, within the down-temple scene. Although, dub is the glue that always binds their work with their love of the skank and the bass. Whilst the inclusion of native New Zealand birdsong is included, to represent the natural world that inspires this duo.


The E.P. starts with ‘43.6 South’ which brings together all the elements you would expect in dub reggae from horns, bass guitar, keys and bubbling sound fx with the occasional short injections of vocal echoes. While the horns may be dropped for next piece ‘Tui’ the lyrical content flows throughout the track with the addition of esp MC.


Then we take off with the horn section once again on ‘Weka’ juxtaposed nicely with the deep bass, laser fx and vocal echoes. Then it's time for the keys to lead the way into the bass of Finn Kelcher and the vocals of esp MC on the dreamy ‘In Your Mind’. The final track ‘No Worries’ places the focus on the lead guitar, rather than the bass and I really like that aspect of the piece.


To conclude I felt that this E.P. had all the ingredients of dub reggae and while there may not be any hit songs on it. It’s of a fair standard that we’ve come to expect from the New Zealand reggae scene and well worth a listen.


Reviewed by Woodzee


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