1 Drop Nation - Album Review: 1 Drop Nation
Opening with a very spiritual Maori haka Intro - Waerea, we were introduced to the opening track Homeland, which is an unashamedly patriotic Aotearoa anthem with repeated strains of "We are one nation". This is a track that proudly declares love for home, while also being a rally call for the future. The spirited vocals from Kanei are a real standout, his voice has a soulful character and a breathy vibe that is real and alive. There is a surprising duo of electric rock guitars that are not too out of place as the song builds its energy with power chords and frantic drums adding to the heady mix!
1 Drop Nation have put together an album that is surprisingly energetic. The songs have a great live sound which can sometimes be lost when recording in the clinical surrounds of a studio, but that is not the case here. The drums are pounding and raw, the guitars rip and strain as if there is a live audience and the vocals are alive with a clarity and energy rarely heard on a studio album.
There are many tracks with a lovely upbeat reggae feel, very L.A.B. meets Six60 with hints of OpShop and The Black Seeds, as heard in tracks like Good Doctor and Reach Out.
Groove Show kicks off gently and once the rhythm section kicks in we're greeted with a lovely smooth vocal backing that all blends in perfectly.
The Children has a Christmas feel with funky keys and brass adding some fat to the tune very nicely.
Give It To Me is a real groove funk track with terrific soulful singing from vocalist Kanei.
The aforementioned Reach Out has a nice summer vibe with dreamy breaks that lead back to into the upbeat calypso tempo that drives the song so well.
Twisted is a full on funk mash that is an energetic burst of propelling power.
Midnight Wolf begins slow and steady with an almost country feel thanks to the delightful acoustic guitar.
Last up is the pulse raising 1 Drop which has a superb up-tempo beat that drives with motivational force. Brilliant guitar and keys are brought to the surface with a hot instrumental section that shows off the bands brilliant energy and enthusiasm.
So its 5 out of 5 stars for this ensemble of expressive soulful energetic collection of tunes.
About 1 Drop Nation
1 Drop Nation offers a mix of sound that brings a Fresh vibe to the music scene in Aotearoa. They have played some amazing festivals, completed a national tour, and supported some of NZ's finest acts.
The boys have been hard at it in the Studio working the amazing Dr Lee Prebble and have a new album planned for later in 2023.
Visit the muzic.net.nz Profile for 1 Drop Nation
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