25 May 2013 // A review by Dilemma
Kaipara and Auckland based five-piece band Soljah have just released their debut album Aotearoa. Soljah is Ben Ratima, Les Watane, Tawhiri Littlejohn, Raniera Littlejohn and Jacob Nansen. The quintet are certainly not strangers to the industry, individually having worked with many well known local artists, including Stan Walker, J Williams, Dane Rumble, Kimbra, David Dallas, Erakah and Anika Moa.

Aotearoa includes their three outstanding singles Summertime, One Night and Kiss Me along with current single and title track Aotearoa. The album as a whole is mesmerizing with elements of blues, funk, R&B, reggae, soul and rock. Smooth raw lyrics and easy transitions. The album has an old school funky fresh flow that is really enhanced with the brass section. You settle into the classic reggae feel until track 9 Youth of a Nation that changes up the sound with an uplifting message for the youth of the nation. It sounds like a song that would be played at a huge youth rally with a big church band with an even bigger sound. Definite funk vibes carry throughout the album that showcase the live talent of this band. It's no wonder that since Soljah released their debut EP titled Moving Up in 2010 they have performed a multitude of shows around the country, including festivals such as Selective Soundz, Raggamuffin, Raggamuffin Road Trip, and Exodus.

Aotearoa
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Soljah are a five piece unit based in Kaipara and Auckland New Zealand, consisting of five heavy weight musicians who are creating waves across Aotearoa with their mesmerising live performances and ground stomping sound. Heavy distorted riffs with rhythms that knock you off your feet, bouncy drum and bass to put you back on your feet, and tight vocal harmonies that drip with catchy melodies.

While listening to Soljah's music you will discover an eclectic blend of influences. The heavily distorted guitar lines mixed with jazz harmony come from the master mind of guitarist Les Watene, who has a degree in Jazz. The four on the floor bass drum can be attributed to Tawhiri Littlejohn's history of playing reggae music since he was young. The soulful vocals of Ben Ratima are reminiscent of a love for old school artists such as Stevie Wonder, and the percussive slapping coming from Raniera Littlejohn's bass oozes funk and soul. Nicely finished off by a touch of RnB comes from Jacob Nansen on keys.

The five musicians that make up Soljah have been painting their flavour throughout NZ in the music of many well known NZ artists, as they are all highly sought after session musicians, called on by the best for various recording projects and performances. Between the five of them they have played for NZ artists such as King Kapisi, Anika Moa, Savage, Che Fu, Vince Harder, Nesian Mystic, Annabel Fay, Ben Lummis, Josh Leys and Sons of Zion.

Visit the muzic.net.nz Profile for Soljah

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