Tahuna Breaks were one of those bands that I’d heard mentioned a lot but never got around to listening to, until I got sent a copy of their third album Shadow Light. After listening to it I don’t know why these guys aren’t better known here, or why I hadn’t listened to them earlier.
They describe themselves as influenced by reggae and funk, with a rock edge, but Shadow Light is pretty much a dance album. Sure, there are elements of funk and soul in there, but these 10 tracks wouldn’t be out of place at any decent club.
But to say they’re just dance music is to sort of sell them short. These aren’t just songs that have been written to make people dance – they just happen to be very danceable, upbeat and pumping songs. Though I was reminded times of the Black Ghosts from the UK, these are also original sounding songs.
There’s also a definite retro sound going on (which is where I find they sound most like the Black Ghosts), harking back to the 80’s; it’s a fun sound, one made for partying, and you can tell that these guys really enjoy making music, and enjoy the music they are making. If the recording is anything to go by I bet these guys have a huge, and incredibly fun, live show.
Tahuna Breaks have always encompassed a rich diversity of musical genres and styles. With seven members, the group has an appetite for continuously pushing boundaries in their live performance bringing a stage act that is energetic, tight and passionate to the audience.
Combining aspects of the 60’s, 70’s and 80’s Tahuna Breaks are influenced by artists as varied as James Brown to Daft Punk. Being unafraid to mix genres they have honed their live sound to encompass funk, disco, soul and roots focusing on addictive rhythms that get audiences moving.
The band has performed at The Big Day Out, Homegrown, Highlife NYE and many other major festivals in New Zealand and Australia, along with countless sell out national tours and one off performances.