First up, I have to make this clear, Tunes of I are one of my favorite Kiwi bands cracking it at the moment. This review is going to slightly bias. But my bias comes with good reason and I am not easily impressed.
I was first introduced to Tunes last August when Ghetto Sunrise had the fortunate experience of playing with them at San Fran. I was blown away with the lax yet professional stylings of a band playing grooves beyond their years. That and they were really chilled, friendly dudes that encompassed the positively Wellington vibe without the gimmick.
I didn’t get a press release with this record (note for the future boys package it up with your download), but as I understand it T.O.I was tracked by Charlie Bronson and Adam Ladley, mixed by the mighty Lee Prebble and mastered by dial guru, Mike Gibson. This stella team have done a brilliant job of bringing out the bands polished organic flavor. Hats off to the production team.
The first tune, Blue Sunrise, reminds me of Killervision. It’s got the quintessential kiwiana rolling dub groove with a tight, thick arrangement. Track two, Gold, effortlessly blends “loungey” drum n bass with smatterings of rock vocals and that familiar TOI jank. Solar Rays is the third track and is swimming in jazzy horns reminiscent of Freddy’s. Frequency has a hypnotic build up into one of the most tasteful jaz gat solo’s I have heard on a contemporary kiwi record recently. The fifth tune, Ice Cream, takes us back to the mid nineties with another irie Sally dub stylized tune. This is an accomplished work embodying many facets of what we love about kiwi dub.
It is almost incomprehensible that this is the bands first official EP release. It encompasses everything great about the Wellington Dub and Jazz scene, and I don’t say this lightly as I have heard some pretty over cooked, pretentious shit come out of Wellington on the heels of Fat Freddy’s Drop, The Black Seeds and other’s successes. I expect huge things from these guys in the future. 5 stars. Hands down T.O.I is my EP of the month. Can’t wait for a full album from these dub- maniacs.
About the author Joel C Blood
My name is Joel C Blood and I am a reviewer here at www.muzic.net.nz. Please feel free to PM me on FB and I will endeavor to review your material in due course. For more information on my profile please check out my Facebook link.
