THE THROWDOWNS

"Don't Slow Down"
Alt-rock, punkNo label

The Throwdowns — Maui-based and marvelous, led by Toronto transplant Erin Smith with Ian Hollingsworth, Kimo Clark and Ola Shaw — have become radio and club darlings with hits like "Kihei Town," a blend of reggae rhythms with Island flavas.

Overview: Smith brings experience to the mixed plate, with girly appeal that could play down to the Miley Cyrus camp but elevateto the Gwen Stefani rousers. No doubt, there's something a-brewing: "Stolen Car," "Take a Swing," "All the Answers" beckon a showdown in alt moods, solemn and bluesy to cheerful and flirtatious.

Wayne Harada, Special to The Advertiser

4 stars

"Nani Mau Loa (Everlasting Beauty)"
Hawaiian
Ho'omau Inc.

With a 23-year alliance, Ho'okena (Manu Boyd, Horace Dudoit III, Chris Kamaka, Glen H.K. Smith) reinforces its hallmark in "Nani Mau Loa," its 10th CD: Meticulous dedication to themes Hawaiian, precision of language, mix of harmony and instruments.

Overview: Lots of invention and experiments here, along with traditional Hawaiian mele. Notable: "Ka Nio O Makea 'Ailana," inspired by meeting then-presidential candidate Barack Obama; and "Friend," a Japanese ballad sung Hookena-style in Nihongo, akin to a sayonara to a beloved tomodachi (friend). The title song, a collaboration of Dudoit, Boyd and Puakea Nogelmeier, features Maila Gibson, whose marriage to Keli'i Bandmann inspired the tune.

Wayne Harada, Special to The Advertiser

5 stars

"South of the Boudoir"
Exotica
Taboo Records

Mainlanders call it lounge music; just know that Don Tiki is the principal keeper of the exotica flame, who had the blessings of the king himself, the late Martin Denny. The duo's fifth CD is an excursion to portals of another time.

Overview: Tiki founders Fluid Floyd (Lloyd Kandell) and Perry Coma (Kit Ebersbach) have collated a vivid tapestry of sound that pays homage to Denny, Arthur Lyman, Lex Baxter and — in cover atmospheric choice, Herb Alpert. The Tiki totem includes wizard percussionist Carlinhos de Oliveira, the vocal assets of Jimmy Borges (who, in the spirit of the moment and accent, goes by Yo Ma-Ma), Sherry Shaoling (cover model and "Bla Bla Cha Cha" soloist), Hai Jung (who updates an Ethel Azama oldie, "Friendly Islands").

Wayne Harada, Special to The Advertiser

4 stars

"Nanea" Traditional
Hawaiian
Soul Tree

Nä Palapalai — Kuana Torres Kahele and Kehau Tamure — mark their 15th anniversary with a splendid flashback to their Hilo roots: playful, joyous melodies with yesteryear tradition and today appeal. "Alone Once More," the in-English version of Eddie and Myrna Kamae's "E Kuu Morning Dew," sounds like an instant winner.

Overview: Nä Palapalai, seven-time Nä Hoku Hanohano winners, are as refreshing as the palapalai fern. Laid-back style, rich harmonies, and blessed with Kahele and Tamure's soulful old-fashioned dynamics, "Nanea" has endless charm and beauty. Tamure's "Hooipo Hula" (a Lena Machado remake) and Kahele's original "Aloha No Kau" typify their sizzling, unbeatable chemistry.

Wayne Harada, Special to The Advertiser
5 stars