29 Mar 2024
UsernamePassword

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

Brown Sugar Factory - EP Review: Halina't Sumayaw

27 Apr 2022 // A review by Danica Bryant

Brown Sugar Factory’s latest EP Halina't Sumayaw is an incomparable blend of funk, house, pop and dancehall, boasting the diverse musical backgrounds of producer Reid Ulberg and singer-songwriter Roberto Jatulan.

Opening to silky vocal adlibs and gentle rain, Til Next Saturday pulses under smooth guitar and incredible harmonies. On paper, the song changes so much it should lose its way, but it does quite the opposite, constantly switching up without ever losing its unmistakable energy. Harana Sosa toys with elements of the nostalgic disco pop currently taking over the airwaves, but infuses it with a healthy dose of funky bass. The sweeping chorus melody feels like a breath of fresh air amongst the rest of the song’s inspired, busy instrumentals. When it finds its way to the chanted bridge, it’s impossible not to picture yourself in the heat of a summer festival mosh pit, singing along to the talents of Brown Sugar Factory.

Halina't Sumayaw offers a brief moment of slow vocals at the start of Funkfessions Pt. 1 before tumbling into another incredibly strong dance vibe. Roll It quickly follows, showcasing enthusiastic, often gritty vocals over its relentless beat. Its spoken-word bridge particularly stands out, bringing some of Brown Sugar Factory's clear electricity in a live format to the studio. 

Perhaps the only notable criticism for this collection of songs is that somewhere amongst these third and fourth tracks, there could have been more diversion from the consistent dancefloor pace. Closing track Paraiso does, however, urge listeners to “slow down”, as it pulls attention away from the singing and instead focuses on sultry electric guitar, clean keys and interesting lo-fi effects. 

Across the board, Halina't Sumayaw’s production quality stands with the best. It’s well-mixed, carefully shining a light on every featured instrument, whilst maintaining an ever-danceable groove. It’s clear Brown Sugar Factory have immense knowledge on how to make every element of a song work to their advantage. Moreover, the beautiful purple-hued cover art perfectly represents the EP’s earthly, relaxed aura, summarising the collection well.

Undeniably, Halina't Sumayaw is an inventive, highly polished release, ideal for fans of pop, funk and house all willing to expand their horizons into the crossover genre. Brown Sugar Factory prove themselves a formidable force on the dance circuit with this impressive EP.

Rating: ( 4 / 5 )
 

About Brown Sugar Factory

Brown Sugar Factory is the brainchild of Auckland-based DJ and producer Reid Ulberg and singer/songwriter Roberto Jatulan. Combining their Canadian and Filipino backgrounds with a classical education, these innovative and passionate musicians produce a sound that is unique yet immediately catchy. Following their wildly popular debut, Brown Sugar Factory’s second single Watermelancholy released in September and was immediately loved and shared by fans.

Playing live, Brown Sugar Factory have the versatility to switch up their performance and tailor it to the venue and audience. They can play as a duo, energetic and crowd-building, or as a funky five piece, to lift the vibe even further. They can play as a duo, energetic and crowd-building, or as a funky 5 piece, to lift the vibe even further. Combining the energy & experience of eclectic soul singer Phoebe Walsh (Kazia) and bassist/flautist Michael Anderson, (The Vibes) with the funk filled licks of seasoned guitarist Mitchell Goodfellow (Big Tasty). Together, these seasoned and talented musicians complement Brown Sugar Factory perfectly, adding live instrumentation over self-produced tracks with a combination of original songs and clever reworks of classic and modern hits. From soft emotional ballads to house dance parties, Brown Sugar Factory will liven any sized room and leave all ages with a night to remember.

Recently Brown Sugar Factory were invited to play a mainstage slot at sold out AUM festival in Auckland's North Head for a 5,000+ strong crowd.

Visit the muzic.net.nz Profile for Brown Sugar Factory

Releases

Halina't Sumayaw
Year: 2022
Type: EP

Other Reviews By Danica Bryant

Gig Review: Homegrown 2024 @ Wellington Waterfront - 16/03/2024 Part 1
17 Mar 2024 // by Danica Bryant
By some miracle, Homegrown 2024 hits a home run and finds Welly on an infamous good day this Saturday, 16th March. That sun is blazing down as the fairground rides and colourful outfits roll out onto the waterfront.
Read More...
Amiria Grenell - Album Review: The Winter Light
12 Mar 2024 // by Danica Bryant
Otautahi folk singer Amiria Grenell boasts many accolades to her name, and her new album The Winter Light will surely add to the pack. This is a cozy collection of classic folk songs, grounded in nature, family and the endless search for true peace.
Read More...
Bird Machine - EP Review: Hey Human
25 Feb 2024 // by Danica Bryant
Their name is animal, but their music is undeniably human. Bird Machine's latest release is a five-track collection of shoegazing pop-rock, composed by husband and wife duo Luke and Jenna Grbin.
Read More...
Peyton Morete - Album Review: The End To The Beginning
11 Dec 2023 // by Danica Bryant
Poneke artist Peyton Morete goes big with her self-produced album The End to the Beginning, a high-concept collection following the ups and downs of a life and the cyclical nature of the world. The record encompasses a variety of genres from cinematic soundscape pieces and acoustic pop to elements of rap and R&B, all held together by Morete's charismatic vocal performance.
Read More...
VÏKÆ - Album Review: Love Games Deluxe
26 Nov 2023 // by Danica Bryant
Auckland artist VÏKÆ never stops with her busy musical output, with her latest release Love Games Deluxe serving as another welcome entry in her catalogue. It's a project that perfectly encapsulates her brand of singable yet strange, weird yet wonderful, asking you to dance with the threat of dragging you if you resist.
Read More...
MOHI - Album Review: Elements of Aroha
26 Nov 2023 // by Danica Bryant
MOHI is a bilingual artist, bending music and language to bear his soul. His new album Elements of Aroha circles its recurring motif of love as a force of nature, connecting people to the land in a tranquil musical journey.
Read More...
Jupita - EP Review: Want You Back
16 Nov 2023 // by Danica Bryant
Julia Morris is a multi-instrumentalist and singer-songwriter hailing from Auckland, stepping out as indie-pop soloist Jupita on the debut EP Want You Back.Whilst the opening track's title Anxiety might fool you into thinking this will be a heavy moment and collection, this number is actually incredible fun.
Read More...
emerson kole - EP Review: Haunted
01 Nov 2023 // by Danica Bryant
Cleverly releasing her spooky EP Haunted on Friday 13th of October, emerson kole's new five-track collection proves how well-thought-out her artistry and sound is, with a dark alternative pop sound soaked in reverb and creepy production.Haunted invokes the feeling of walking alone at night, hoping like hell you'll make it home safe.
Read More...
View All Articles By Danica Bryant

NZ Top 10 Singles

  • WE CAN'T BE FRIENDS (WAIT FOR YOUR LOVE)
    Ariana Grande
  • BEAUTIFUL THINGS
    Benson Boone
  • END OF BEGINNING
    Djo
  • LOSE CONTROL
    Teddy Swims
  • TEXAS HOLD 'EM
    Beyonce
  • STICK SEASON
    Noah Kahan
  • PRAISE JAH IN THE MOONLIGHT
    YG Marley
  • CARNIVAL
    Kanye West And Ty Dolla $ign
  • SATURN
    SZA
  • LOVIN ON ME
    Jack Harlow
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