Cosmic Matakau is the second full-length release for the
Auckland-based collective Seva HiFi. It's a follow-up to the group's 2012 album
'Early', and has been released on the same Sugarlicks imprint. The 10-track
Cosmic Matakau follows a similar funky template to that well-received debut,
with the core group - Baz Suamili, Levani Vosasi, and Gmuva - once again
drawing upon a hybrid of influences and cultural reference points to come up
with a pacific-styled variation on old fashioned disco. Albeit a slightly more
contemporary housed-up version of that genre, cross-pollinated by an assortment
of world music vibes and rhythms. There's a generous helping of psychedelic
trip hoppy moments, plenty of soulful harmonies, and frequent use of strings
(thanks to guest collaborator Stephen Hussey). Other co-conspirators include
backing vocalist Tyra Hammond, and Isaac Aesili, who added synths and horns,
with the whole thing being held together by the sumptuous sticky production
techniques of Gmuva himself. Moreover, Cosmic Matakau is a little slice of
dancefloor sunshine in a box, and it might just be the perfect antidote to
those long winter nights ahead. Close the curtains, dim the lights, turn up the
bass, and let yourself glide.
(This review originally appeared in the Fresh Cuts
section of the April/May issue of NZ Musician magazine – in fact, it was the
final review in the final print issue of the mag. NZ Musician will continue as
a digital publication only).
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