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a review on Pacific Underground submitted by gunn.
NZ Musician
This delectable collection of Samoan-penned grooves is something of an anomaly in that it comes out of the fertile creative environs of Christchurch rather than, perhaps the more expected, South Auckland. To try and draw comparisons between north and south would be unfair as 'Landmark' comes at you from a completely different point of view. Pacific Underground and compilation producer Pos Mavaega are better known for their work in theatre, and as such bring a unique element of drama to the soulful grooves and hip hop here. The two openers Warning (Freeworld) and Pure Love (Tanya & Traveller) are great slow burners with a distinct urban feel. Like other tracks, they have a beautiful cinematic quality to them - if this album was a soundtrack you'd want to be front row centre for the film. Give It To Every 1 (Beats 'n' Pieces) and It's All Love (Pos Collective) mix up jazz and hip hop reminiscent of Spearhead and Arrested Development. Fans of Urban Disturbance and Sulata will definitely dig this. Interspersed throughout are comedic contributions from the Naked Samoans and all creative people should check out their skit Video People. Keep an eye out for the names on this compilation - they've all got very promising futures ahead of them. Available from Galaxy Records or PO Box 3934, Christchurch 8001. Mark Roach
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