Island Vibrations Album Review

House of Shem could well be the first family of Reggae in New Zealand. Not only are they Whanau, but between all the band members they have played in pioneering New Zealand Reggae bands and built the sound of reggae in our country through their impeccable credentials.

On the bio page for House of Shem it says they are a “a rare mixture of power and beauty. This band’s incredible tightness, heavenly harmonies, conscious lyrics and blend of traditional and contemporary reggae styles will leave you spellbound.”

Honestly, using the word spellbound in this case is not just hype or exaggeration, listening to‘Island Vibrations’ the title track on House of Shem’s new album, you can feel the magic right from the lead in with island drums. It’s the kind of sweet reggae music that makes you think of hula girls dancing around a beach bonfire. It really is the quintessential sound of our reggae music and makes you want to sway your hips under the stars with someone special.

House of Shem really have shown their diverse reggae sound with the next few tracks ‘Sweet Love’ and ‘Move Along Together’ which parallel UB40 in the early 90’s. Filled with beautiful melodies and harmonies which pull two different vocal styles, not to mention their ability to add cohesive reggae raps. ‘Not Gonna Run’is a brass driven track that keeps the reggae vibe while stepping up the tone and beat.

Thrown into the middle of the Album is Ruia ‘Tahuri Mai Ra’ which is a Te Reo reggae track that showcases the beauty and natural rhythm of the Maori Language. 

Its no wonder that ‘Party’ transports me to my childhood and listening to Herbs and UB40 and the ease that comes with reggae music. The best thing about reggae music is that it can’t help but be social, in lyrics and interaction. You never feel alone or isolated maybe its because of the elements that put together reggae which make it hopeful and full.

‘All I need is you’is one of those hopeful tracks that makes you believe in the uniting power and heartfelt love that is expressed in reggae, its barely never, if ever negative.

The saxophone on ‘Brighter day’,  ‘Jah life’along with the sound of the other later tracks continue to re-enforce how good reggae is for the soul, even if you are not usually a fan of reggae music, you will love this album because it is filled with love.