ISLAND SOUNDS
O-Shen CD takes cultural journey
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| "Rascal in Paradise," by O-Shen, Hobo House on the Hill, HHRCD 0020 | "3+4U (Three Plus for You)," by Three Plus, Koops Entertainment, KPSE 1001 |
By Wayne Harada
Advertiser Entertainment Editor
"Rascal in Paradise," by O-Shen: O-Shen's newest is a tidal wave of hypnotic sounds, offering comfort in familiar riffs but also flashing courage in its hip veneer.
Welcome to the latest journey into urban island music. O-Shen's world is hinged to the Jawaiian jolt of recent times but fertilized with rhythms from his Papua New Guinea heritage. It's bold and earthy, in the spirit of rap but intriguing and infectious because of O-Shen's roots.
Then again, guest performances by Fiji, Jamin the Chief Ragga and Apox contribute to the sizzling flavor. And with the production skills of Roni "the Hobo Diggler" (as he now is called) and his Hobo House on the Hill 'ohana, technology enhances talent.
It's a hybrid sound that will astound and attract the faction that enjoys a reggae-pop mix, which, frankly, has become routine in most cases.
His originals percolate with emotion and movement, as he combines contemporary rhythms with nuances from his South Pacific origins. "Lus Tingting," with Jamin collaborating, typifies the synergy and spirit of O-Shen's urban urgency. "Throw Away the Gun" also is a fusion of cultures, set to danceable Jamaican-Jawaiian tempos. Happily, the liner booklet provides lyrics of otherwise undecipherable phrases.
This could be O-Shen's break-out CD. If his debut album, "Iron Youth," earned him recognition, "Rascal in Paradise" will yield him new respect and widespread acceptance.
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"Lus Tingting" by O-Shen. An audio sample is available in mp3 and RealAudio formats. |
"3+4U (Three Plus for You)," by Three Plus: Three Plus is Tanoa Kapana, Marcus Malepaeai and Karl Zinsman, whose first album, "Honey Baby," put them in the winner's circle.
This follow-up disc picks up the momentum, showcasing an easy-going and harmonic vocal style, alternately magnifying 'ukulele wizardry and Jawaiian agility. Obviously, this is a combo equally at home with rap, reggae and a good old-fashioned love song.
The metronome is mostly set to the reggae tempo, occasionally seasoned with Polynesian rhythms, as heard on "Do What Lovers Do."
Another mildly upbeat love song, "Undercover Lover," typifies the trio's polish in the island rhythms format. It's more about convention than invention, but hey, it works.
The remake of "Betcha By Golly Wow," the old Stylistics hit, is unabashedly nostalgic for those who remember the original, but possibly a threshold for discovery for youngsters experiencing the tune for the first time.
"I'd Like to Love You," with guitar licks and vocal stylistics reminiscent of '70s Kalapana, could emerge as a quick audience favorite.
With Three Plus scheduled to be the opening act for Janet Jackson's concert tonight at Aloha Stadium, the group is ready to face and embrace the good fortune that comes with such an honorable introduction to a huge audience.
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"I'd Love to Love You" by Three Plus. An audio sample is available in mp3 and RealAudio formats. |
