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Marcus Tuwairua -New Beginnings CD
21 September, 2009Page 1
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The album was mastered by Frieder Guyer and the cover was handprinted by Kilmog Press.
Born and raised in Invercargill, he performed with the Panache Choirwhile at Verdon College. He played drums for ex Invercargill band 'Becoming' while at school and afterwards. He was a part of several Dunedin bands since moving here in 2003 such as 'The Anals', 'Spastic Luscious Nobodies', 'St Leonards Rock n' Roll Club' and 'Kakiroa'. It is now his work as part of 'The Tomato Plants' that he is currently known for along with his solo work, this album being the fruits of that solo labour.
All the songs on this album were written, produced and performed by Marcus Tuwairua except for one song (Peace) which was co-written with his partner in crime in 'The Tomato Plants', Tahu McKenzie. This being a solo effort, it is certainly impressive. This is due to the fact that it sounds like at times Tuwairua has backing vocals producing harmonies and certainly some background orchestration. But I believe he did it all himself.
Tuwairua's simple deceptive style catches you off guard with its disarming honesty and depth. The opening and title song, “New Beginnings” sounds almost like just tuning up the uke (ukulele) before launching into the melody. The uke on its own can sound almost a bit tinny and doesn't exactly have a strong sound, therefore on this album there is a backup acoustic guitar which adds some volume to the uke, really making it stand out.
There is definitely a hint of reggae and roots within the music of Marcus Tuwairua, especially in the song “A Piece of You”, which sounded a bit like something worthy on the par of Katchafire. When you think about the ukulele, the stereotype probably has a Hawaiian flavour of some description. Tuwairua definitely soundwise has something in common with the tradition of Israel Kamakawiwo'ole and that particular sound of the ukulele. You can't help but keep coming back to that ukulele. Maybe because I haven't heard a recording of one in a while but there is a peculiar simple childlike quality to the sound of a ukulele.
With the ukulele tying it all together, the songs do go in different directions. One being the pleasant ditty “Simple Plan” that has a bass line humming and a tenor harmony during the chorus and a nice rollicking tempo. It is a song that could work well on a BNZ Bank ad or something with those computer generated pigs waddling across the screen. A definite feel good song. Then there is the subtle background psychedelic ambience on the song “Peace” that adds a different flavour.
Being a fairly sparse album, orchestral-wise, as most of the time it is only Tuwairua and his ukulele, most of the orchestration that does feature merely enhances the solo or provides a bit of bass to fill out the lower register. This is a feel good album though, a solo effort that seems to come from the same direction as Delgirl, with that country/folk/Pacific sound. The album ends on a good note with “Crude Beer-Drinking Song” which is actually a good song to drink to (hence the title) as it talks about beer and the rhythm is similar to one of those good old lilting folk songs.
AK
Posted by scott
