ISLAND SOUNDS
Jawaiian rhythms with a twist of rap, romance
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"NO DOUBT ABOUT IT" by Ka'ala Boys |
By Wayne Harada
Advertiser Entertainment Editor
Ka'ala Boys focus on Jawaiian, the hybrid sound of Hawaiianized reggae, on their third CD. The music is toe-tapping, heart-jolting, finger-snapping stuff, with occasional reminders that the Boys, indeed, are island-bred.
Happily, there are a couple of nonreggae tunes — such as that disc-ending ballad — that provide variety and prompts the question: When is this torrent of Jawaiian, while immensely popular, going to subside?
The title tune does feature 'ukulele riffs from start to finish. The voices are a harmonic blend that can swiftly switch into rap mode; Kalei Kahalewai of Roots Odyssey, who penned the tune, turns in the midpoint rap on "No Doubt About It," easily one of the best cuts on the disc.
The band is composed of Keoki V, vocals and uke; Rodney Bejer, vocals and bass; Eric Lee, rhythm guitar and back-up vocals; and Elton McKeague, drums, percussion and support vocals.
Bejer is author of three originals, Keoki five, breathing fresh life into the genre — an indication of the prolific streak in the ranks. "Movin' On" and "G-String" are Bejer's, one slightly different from the other in tempo and texture; "Heaven Sent" is perhaps the nicest surprise, a romantic ballad with intimacy and intricacy, and with a blues/soul tenderness not found anywhere else on the disc.
Keoki's creations include "In My Arms," "Can't Stop That Groove" (in collaboration with Bob St. John) and "Rock Steady," each with its own musical spin and lyrical sizzle.
"No Doubt About It" by Ka'ala Boys. Audio sample available in mp3 and RealAudio formats.
