EP Review: Steezin’ Hawkings

After a mellow 1 minute intro, the grooves kick off in the opening track We Been Steezin’ and we are introduced to the young funk sounds of the Wellington based Steezin’ Hawkins with a tune layered with smooth vocal harmonies and a most soulful melodious tune, and although it’s driven by a steady tempo the feel of the song ebbs and flows from groovy to dreamy, with a crafted sound that is very real and expressive.

You may not hear the 2^nd track Funk up the Radio on the radio, due to the obvious use of funk as a profanity replacement, forget about it, you will dig the funky feel and jive guitar grinds that move to a most gratuitous rock/blues riff, and the lead vocal from Moira Jean is a dramatic performance full character and power not to be missed. After a little bluegrass guitar Onwards and Upwards explodes into a full on funk groove that pumps along at a relentless pace throughout, with expressive guitar licks and funky stabs that get you moving jubilantly.

Another glorious vocal performance furnishes the ultra-soulful Ripples this time from Nofo Lameko with his earthy tone sounding very silky smooth which sets off a wonderfully groovy slower number. Trouble is a similarly funk and groove mash with exuberant blues segments and more superb vocals from Moira.

Overall this 6 Track EP grabs you by the throat with its vibrant funk feel full of vibes and energy, the tunes are catchy and the singing is soulful, no doubt these songs would be impressive live, and they certainly capture the essence of a band full of energy and musical creativity that should not be missed.