• Genre: Island contemporary.

• Distinguishing notes: Keahiwai — Lei Melket and Mailani Makainai — offers its third CD (OK, fourth, if you count the Christmas disc), and it's loaded with originals and a fast-forward momentum. There is sweetness and romance in the duo's sound, with crisply arranged contemporary tunes and a focus on simplicity and sincerity. "Fits So Well," "When We're Apart," "Invisible" and "In Between Times" reflect what's in their hearts and on their minds. The arrangements are clean, the back-up musicianship supportive and not intrusive, enabling the individual voices to shine in hues. There's a splendid joie de vivre in the bounce and flow of the selections. And if you're wondering, the "Dangerous" theme comes from the title song reflecting on the perils of love. While the orientation may be decidedly local, the appeal is universal.

• The outlook: Keahiwai shows growth, maturity and progress in their evolving careers.

• Our take: It would be dangerous and silly to miss this one.

"Fits So Well" by Keahiwai. Audio sample available in mp3 format.

• Genre: Jazz instrumentals.

• Distinguishing notes: The concept is worth applauding — assemble collectives of creative minds and talents; turn on the juice; play, jam and share. This outing harkens back the era of emerging jazz combos, when little-known musicians were formulating their sound, trying to earn their chops. Well, it's all about fusion of styles, of artistry, of dreams. And there is plenty of that in this engaging romp of originals and covers, from pianist Koller, drummers Pellegrini and Okimoto and contrabassist Jones. Koller has an ear for the free-form jazz format (check out "Don't Tell Me How to Feel" and "Fridge Vampire") and ditto for Jones, whose originals ("PBJ" and "What Peace This World") merit attention. Henry Mancini's "Dreamsville" is the opening track that sets the mood; the journey taps Charlie Parker's "Bouncing With Billy" and closes with an awesome "Body and Soul."

• The outlook: What's next, a series of live performances with the entire gang?

• Our take: Jazz still is emerging as a valid keepsake — and the more, the merrier.

"Dreamsville" by Steve Jones. Audio sample available in mp3 format.

• Genre: Contemporary punk, ska.

• Distinguishing notes: Battle Royale emerged from Skanabata, a Waipahu ska band, and its five members (Miles Tandal, vocals; Ryan Dela Cruz, guitar; Micah Tandal, bass; Aaron Rideout, alto saxophone and backup vocals; and Mace Tandal, drums) have spirit and desire to spare. This five-song extended-play CD enables the group to flash its sizzle with "I Lay Down," and strut its brass- and-drum- accented beat; display a sense of humor on "Opposite of Cool;" and even lay down some licks on romance (albeit with a pulsating backbeat, not your grandmother's romantic love song) on "This Time."

• The outlook: While this isn't for everybody, it's a keen snapshot of the group's drive and ambition.

• Our take: Battle Royale can wrestle with any Mainland counterpart, given the opportunity.

"God, the Devil, and the World" by Battle Royale. Audio sample available in mp3 format.