20 Apr 2024
UsernamePassword

Remember Me? | Join | Recover
Click here to sign in via social networking

Sweet Az Soundsystem - Costal Connection album review

12 Jun 2011 // A review by Dilemma

‘Coastal Connection’ has a totally unique and somewhat eccentric style combining the best of dub/dubstep/reggae and fusing a hint of drum n bass into an album created by producer DJ Kina (Simon Boyd) from The Versionaries and MC Extraordinaire RayJah45 (Raymond Te Oranga-Nolan), known as the Sweet Az Sound System.

This collaboration can be best described as music with one foot firmly on the dance floor, with the conscious soulful vibes of RayJah and production of DJ Kina coming together to form a sound that appeals to a wide audience. The idea was to bring together the true spirit of music and create an album that bridged the gaps between these genres, thus creating ‘Coastal Connection’ as a mature 13 track album.‘Costal Connection’ also features a talented bunch of collaborations including MC Kye from Budspells, Georgie Fisher and Haile Suspicious from The Versionaries, Shamik the Human Drum Machine from Canada, MC Antic, plus Simon Kay and Tom Fisher on horns.

The first track ‘Deliverance’ enters straight into a haunting and yet compelling Maori Karakia.

‘Out there’ is an ode to surfing, hitting up the waves and uniting with a lifestyle filled with love and peacefulness. A very smooth track just like surfer lifestyle that it describes.

The fourth track ‘Blaze’ is the first single release off the album, which has climbed the Dub charts in Sydney. Seems like the whole album is an ode to various loves of the co-creators. No facade here as to what the music and lyrics inspire.

‘Boom box’ is a classic track that incorporates retro beat-boxing on to a full length track with no lyrical back up.

‘Shout out’ crosses genres slowing down the pace of the album for some reflection and maybe creating some confusion.

‘Maranga’ lifts the beat of the album again, a great track with intense Maori rapping that sync over the dub beat.

The last of the 13 tracks on the album ‘Again and Again’ integrates all of the sounds through the album into one that perfectly entwines all the tracks.

 

About Sweet Az Soundsystem

The Sweet Az Soundsystem Debut album 'Coastal Connection' is the brainchild of producer DJ Kina (Simon Boyd) from The Versionaries and MC Extraordinaire RayJah45 (Raymond Te Oranga-Nolan) from Sydney Reggae band This Version.
Never ones to be bunched with the rest, Sweet Az Soundsystem have forged a hybrid formula that could best be described as a fusion of Dub, Hip Hop, Reggae, Dubstep and Drum and Bass.

The Sweet Az Sound always keeps one foot firmly on the dance floor with the conscious soulful vibes of RayJah and the sub frequency production of DJ Kina coming together to form a unique style that appeals to a wide audience.
The album features a talented bunch of collaborations including MC Kye from Budspells, Georgie Fisher and Haile Suspicious from The Versionaries, Shamik the Human Drum Machine from Canada, MC Antic, plus Simon Kay and Tom Fisher on horns.

Visit the muzic.net.nz Profile for Sweet Az Soundsystem

Releases

Coastal Connection
Year: 2011
Type: Album

Other Reviews By Dilemma

Janine and the Mixtape - EP Review: XX
22 Jun 2015 // by Dilemma
2013 was a big year, Lorde released her first EP but she wasn’t our only Singer/Songwriter that got international acclaim that year, there was also Janine Foster otherwise known as Janine and The Mixtape. Described as an electrifying performer that has developed her own unique combination of pop, indie, R&B, and hip hop.
Read More...
Tali - Album Review: Wolves
28 May 2015 // by Dilemma
Tali AKA Natalia Sheppard is pretty impressive, she paired up with Roni Size to release Lyric on my Lip which smashed the charts in 2002, became the first female MC to release an album in 2004 over 10 years ago. She has won the Best Female DNB MC award a few times (3) and has just released her new album Wolves, which she describes as “electronic soul and gangsta jazz"!
Read More...
Khemikal - Justice EP Review
06 Nov 2014 // by Dilemma
Silos feat. Nel Amore have released their debut EP Justice, 5 tracks with thumping base lines, some repetitive hooks and a brit-chick that raps and sings.
Read More...
Emily Edrosa EP Review
05 Nov 2014 // by Dilemma
Emily Edrosa is Emily Littler, member of Street Chant – an Auckland trio that has played since 2007 and won the inaugural Critics Choice at the 2010 NZ Music Awards. Emily however, has been putting out some new solo stuff as Emily Edrosa, which is the second effort after Body/Christ released in 2013.
Read More...
PNC - The Codes Album Review
24 Jul 2014 // by Dilemma
PNC AKA Sam Hansen released his fifth album less than a month ago and it’s already smashing sales and tearing up the NZ charts. The album titled The Codes is our newest urban success and it seems that PNC has found his stride with his latest offering.
Read More...
Jayson Norris - Save My Soul EP Review
16 May 2014 // by Dilemma
New from Jayson Norris is the Save My Soul EP as part of NZ Music Month. If you are a fan of Kora style rock or Tiki Taane melodies then you will love this five-song EP, cleverly incorporating roots and the groove of mainstream guitar rock’n’soul to blur genres.
Read More...
Estère - Estere Album Review
10 May 2014 // by Dilemma
Released as a free download via Bandcamp the debut EP from Wellington singer/songwriter/beatmaker/producer Estere is definitely unique in the NZ music scene. Self-described as “just a girl with an MPC” Estere works her equipment and the product is individualistic, raw and worthy of a listen this NZ Music Month.
Read More...
Ill Semantics - You Got It Feat. Scribe and K.One Single Review
09 May 2014 // by Dilemma
The Ill Semantic’s are back for 2014 and while it's been over 20 years since they formed they still have the ability to make really good, current hip hop music. Ill Semantics are getting ready to drop their third album and have delivered the first single titled You Got It feat.
Read More...
View All Articles By Dilemma

NZ Top 10 Singles

  • TOO SWEET
    Hozier
  • BEAUTIFUL THINGS
    Benson Boone
  • LOSE CONTROL
    Teddy Swims
  • I LIKE THE WAY YOU KISS ME
    Artemas
  • SATURN
    SZA
  • STICK SEASON
    Noah Kahan
  • END OF BEGINNING
    Djo
  • LIKE THAT
    Future And Metro Boomin feat. Kendrick Lamar
  • ESPRESSO
    Sabrina Carpenter
  • WE CAN'T BE FRIENDS (WAIT FOR YOUR LOVE)
    Ariana Grande
View the Full NZ Top 40...
muzic.net.nz Logo
100% New Zealand Music
All content on this website is copyright to muzic.net.nz and other respective rights holders. Redistribution of any material presented here without permission is prohibited.
Report a ProblemReport A Problem