Kiwi Reggae album 'On The Move' Review.

by DRW
(Jamaica)

Kiwi

Infusing the Northeast with reggae-rock is the Jersey City-based group Kiwi. After close to a decade of performing, Kiwi has hit their stride. Featuring a new lineup, the group is now set to release their second full length album…

Rooted in reggae rhythms and tropicália-inspired melodies, Kiwi dynamically fuses jazz and soulful grooves into a uniquely uplifting sound. Following the release of 2010’s Mischief Reigns, and tours around the Northeast and Brazil, the 8-piece outfit will release their much anticipated album, On the Move February, 21st, 2013.

Recorded at New Jersey’s Homefront Studio, the album was mixed and mastered at Moresound Studio by the infamous,Jocko. Formally of John Browns Body, Jocko was the soundman entrusted for years with John Borwn’s Body’s signature sound.

When asked about the experience Kiwi front man Alex Tea explains “Working with Jocko is really what brought out the sound of the record and made it shine. In addition to being a true wizard in the studio, he’s the most warm and humble person, we got some class A hospitality while we were up in syracuse for the mix.”

Commenting on the sound of On the Move, Kiwi described the record as expansive with brass-heavy arrangements that echo the classic reggae & R&B of the late 60s & early 70s.

The new record features influences from Tea’s extended stay in Brazil, as Brazilian instruments play a large role in shaping the sound of the record. The group also included an original love song sung entirely in Portuguese called “Aprendiz”.

In celebration of the release of On The Move, Kiwi will perform their Record Release Concert at Joe’s Pub in New York City on February, 21st. Distribution will follow on iTunes, Amazon and on Kiwi’s Bandcamp page.

On the MoveTrack List:
1.) Give A Little
2.) Aprendiz
3.) Tell You Once
4.) Sun Never Set
5.) I Can Fall
6.) Expanse
7.) Change
8.) Pema
9.) Lady Lady
10.) Dead Man
11.) Burden
12.) Fine And Mellow
13.) Pirambu