HOUSE OF SHEM "KEEP RISING"

THEIR DEBUT ALBUM IS A 'MUST-HAVE' FOR FANS OF KIWI REGGAE!!
House of Shem's strength is their phenomenal tightness and precision playing combined with the sweetness of their vocal harmonies. Like Kora and Katchafire, this is no doubt down to genetics. It's most definitely a 'whanau thing' with Carl Perkins (HERBS, MANA, 12 TRIBES OF ISRAEL)) steering the ship. He is joined in this band by two of his sons, Te Omeka and Isaiah who not only both provide vocals and keyboards, but also share the song-writing duties.

It is this clever distribution of labour that gives this band its variety of flavours and the family's tight musical bond that renders an overall cohesion. Perkins senior's compositions are statesman-like and rooted in the familiar tradition of the greats like Marley, Tosh and Spear. Te Omeka provides a slightly more modern militant and 'dread' style whilst Isaiah brings the sweetness and youth. Each of the three sing lead vocals in the show with the other two harmonizing. Backing this vital vocal trio is one of the most formidable rhythm sections in the South Pacific - Kaya Webster, who has been playing a solid 'one drop' since primary school days and Francis Harawira, bassist who both hail from other well-known local reggae families.

Earlier recorded works like 'Dreams' and 'What About The Children' are present and there's no doubting that the title track, 'Keep Rising' is a sure-fire hit, but it is Isaiah Perkins' beautiful 'Jah Bless' that steals the show. Spiritual lyrics, state of the art production techniques and an understated but heavenly vocal style give this track everything that exemplifies excellence in modern roots music. These guys display the best of both worlds - a traditional NZ roots reggae vibe combined with an innate knowledge of the latest Jamaican sounds. For those that like local reggae, this album is a must.

CHECK OUT MY OTHER LISTINGS FOR CDS BY KATCHAFIRE, PLUS RARE REGGAE CDS AND DVDS...