22 Nov 2024
Rei - EP Review: Rangatira
03 May 2018 // A review by ShelleySketch
Rei has recently released his new EP, Rangatira, which combines the Māori language with the hip-hop/RnB genre. This combination will help bring Te Reo to a more mainstream audience. Te Reo has always had a bit of a presence in the music industry but more and more artists seem to be determined to bring it to the forefront.
These five tracks all have different musical elements and Rei jumps between his smooth singing voice and strong rap verses, or a combination of the two.
Kia Tau (settle down/relax) is a faster track and Rei even pushes his vocals a bit higher. It sounds a bit auto tuned during the higher note but it’s not out of place. The video that was released to accompany this track depicts Rei doing his thing at the beach. The video occasionally splits into two screens, but it does reflect the title as the beach scene is relaxing. Raparapa (to seek) is more of a slow acoustic track that builds with the addition of bass and finger snaps. But it still sounds smooth even with those elements thrown in.
The title track, Rangatira, (chief/elder) has a dance/EDM-like vibe to it. E Ki (an expression of surprise or anger) is a smooth track for which a video was released for recently. Like the Kia Tau video, it is a simple video of Rei doing his thing. This time he is on a bridge over the motorway. This video didn’t feel as light and seemed to have a bit more attitude to it.
The final track, Hekenga (to migrate/voyage) ties off the album well with haka-like elements thrown in. There are “he-ha!” chants as well as the sound of a pūtātara (conch shell trumpet) at the end.
Rei had some Te Reo assistance from fellow NZ musician Teeks and they have done a great job with something that could be considered quite delicate.
Also, I have to mention the beautiful cover art. It looks like a woven tukutuku panel. The colours are a simple dark brown/black and white, with the title Rangatira and an image of a Huia feather, similar to the ponuamu worn around his neck. The Huia feather is used as somewhat of a logo for Rei and his music.
Rei has done an incredible job and whether you’re fluent or not, or just appreciate the language, it is worth checking out.
★★★★★ (5 stars)
Review written by Shelley Te Haara
Rei has recently released his new EP, Rangatira, which combines the Māori language with the hip-hop/RnB genre. This combination will help bring Te Reo to a more mainstream audience. Te Reo has always had a bit of a presence in the music industry but more and more artists seem to be determined to bring it to the forefront.These five tracks all have different musical elements and Rei jumps between his smooth singing voice and strong rap verses, or a combination of the two.
Kia Tau (settle down/relax) is a faster track and Rei even pushes his vocals a bit higher. It sounds a bit auto tuned during the higher note but it’s not out of place. The video that was released to accompany this track depicts Rei doing his thing at the beach. The video occasionally splits into two screens, but it does reflect the title as the beach scene is relaxing. Raparapa (to seek) is more of a slow acoustic track that builds with the addition of bass and finger snaps. But it still sounds smooth even with those elements thrown in.
The title track, Rangatira, (chief/elder) has a dance/EDM-like vibe to it. E Ki (an expression of surprise or anger) is a smooth track for which a video was released for recently. Like the Kia Tau video, it is a simple video of Rei doing his thing. This time he is on a bridge over the motorway. This video didn’t feel as light and seemed to have a bit more attitude to it.
The final track, Hekenga (to migrate/voyage) ties off the album well with haka-like elements thrown in. There are “he-ha!” chants as well as the sound of a pūtātara (conch shell trumpet) at the end.
Rei had some Te Reo assistance from fellow NZ musician Teeks and they have done a great job with something that could be considered quite delicate.
Also, I have to mention the beautiful cover art. It looks like a woven tukutuku panel. The colours are a simple dark brown/black and white, with the title Rangatira and an image of a Huia feather, similar to the ponuamu worn around his neck. The Huia feather is used as somewhat of a logo for Rei and his music.
Rei has done an incredible job and whether you’re fluent or not, or just appreciate the language, it is worth checking out.
★★★★★ (5 stars)
Review written by Shelley Te Haara
About Rei
If Rei is an example of upcoming Kiwi artists, the future looks bright. From creating music the last 10 years to present his multi genre sound, Rei is definitely on the cutting edge, and is influenced by our global music community. Mostly by the UK House/Garage style, by Hip hop from major US rappers but, his album has the extra elements of Maori language, haka and kiwi slang, making the sum of A Place to Stand a smoothly produced audio experience. It also sounds BIG in a stadium or club setting.
Already releasing a number of tracks from this album, A Place To Stand includes beauties like Mix an electro acoustic ballad (with Rei on guitar), a lot of club bangers such as Deep and a few not-so- cheesy love songs like Basics.
Visit the muzic.net.nz Profile for Rei
Releases
Other Reviews By ShelleySketch
ABRZY - EP Review: Night Fall
11 Jul 2018 // by ShelleySketch
After interviewing ABRZY, I knew I had to be the one to review his brand-new EP Night Fall. This short EP consists of three tracks; his most recent single Top Down, which has been reviewed here, and two new previously unreleased tracks Night Fall kicks off with the enterprising track, Rock Your Body.
Read More...
Times x Two - EP Review: Late Night Legacy
26 Jun 2018 // by ShelleySketch
Times x Two have been somewhat of a staple in the New Zealand festival scene for a while, but they have now stepped up and are showing NZ just how big they can be with the release of their new EP Late Night Legacy. The EP cover art is strong and regal, with Cader and Zee against a rich red background; somewhat of a reflection of the objective of the EP itself, as there are some solid tracks that are sure to blow up.
Read More...
Thomston - Single & Video Review: Acid Rain
25 Jun 2018 // by ShelleySketch
Thomston has been rather absent from the public eye lately but decided to surprise us by releasing a new single and video for Acid Rain. The single cover art has somewhat a very retro feel, thanks to the clothing choices of a metallic button up with cream pants used in the image.
Read More...
Janine - Album Review: 99
12 Jun 2018 // by ShelleySketch
Kiwi songstress Janine has been hustling hard since jumping overseas and it seems to be paying off. After releasing a few singles in the lead up, her debut album 99 is finally here.
Read More...
Gig Review: Alien Weaponry @ Galatos, Auckland - 02/06/2018
05 Jun 2018 // by ShelleySketch
It’s a damp night, it was 8pm and the doors opened. The crowd began to pack in and I’ll admit there was more than I expected.
Read More...
Seth Haapu - Single Review: New Wave
03 Jun 2018 // by ShelleySketch
In his first release since Volume II in 2107, Seth Haapu returns with his beautiful new singe New Wave. I’ve noticed Seth sticks to a theme of nature that has been a part of his previous releases and is a part of who he is.
Read More...
Mitch James - Single Review: 21
03 Jun 2018 // by ShelleySketch
With his most recent single release in 2017, Mitch James has returned with a beautiful acoustic track entitled 21. The music is a simple accompaniment of a piano and a guitar, with what sounds like a finger snap or clap.
Read More...
Gig Review: Josh Leys @ Mt Eden Village Centre, Auckland - 18/05/2018
02 Jun 2018 // by ShelleySketch
As part of NZ Music Month, Auckland local Josh Leys played an intimate show at Mt Eden Village Centre. The atmosphere made me feel a bit like I was at a school dance.
Read More...
Most Viewed Artists
Latest Galleries
NZ Top 10 Singles
- APT.
ROSÉ And Bruno Mars - DIE WITH A SMILE
Lady Gaga And Bruno Mars - BIRDS OF A FEATHER
Billie Eilish - TASTE
Sabrina Carpenter - I LOVE YOU, I'M SORRY
Gracie Abrams - ESPRESSO
Sabrina Carpenter - SAILOR SONG
Gigi Perez - LOSE CONTROL
Teddy Swims - A BAR SONG (TIPSY)
Shaboozey - GOOD LUCK, BABE!
Chappell Roan
More Content on muzic.net.nz
Google Site Search
Custom Search
100% New Zealand Music
All content on this website is copyright to muzic.net.nz and other respective rights holders. Redistribution of any material presented here without permission is prohibited.
Report A Problem
