Wairunga

Fat Freddy's Drop have been favourites on the local scene for two decades while also building a considerable global following. Their perfect party-festival groove combines funky jams with touches of Māori soul, reggae and dub-electronics, and the band's shows have a deserved reputation for delivering the goods. FFD's 2020 live album-video LOCK-IN, performed to an empty Wellington concert hall, filled a gap in the band's non-touring schedule. But now with an eye to getting back out on the road asap, they return with Wairunga, consisting of five fresh tracks and two re-worked past tunes. Again delivered live sans audience, but this time in a bush setting, the green backdrop provides some organic energy.

Alternately laid-back and pumping hard, the set unfolds gradually, with ‘Coffee Black’ and ‘Wairunga Blues’ both featuring soulful singer Dallas Tamaira in fine form. ‘Bush Telegraph’ is a reggae romp showcasing rapper MC Slave, while the mega ‘Leave Your Window Open’ and pulsing ‘Dig Deep’ allow beatmaster-producer Fitchie (aka Mu) to unleash his full techno arsenal. As always the Freddy horn section swings with punch throughout. Wairunga may not head in radically new directions for FFD, but hey bro if it ain't broke…