The long-awaited follow-up to 1999’s stellar self-titled album sees Oceania – vocalist Hinewehi Mohi, Killing Joke alumnus Jaz Coleman, and an assortment of other players – staying on course, mixing native Maori instrumentation and poetry with modern musical styles. And if the fact that I can’t seem to stop listening to it is any reliable indicator, this second album is even more compelling than the first.
Oceania II features wistful, emotional numbers such as Hawaiki, Niniwa and Kurupana, and hypnotically ethereal club tunes such as Rongo and Tauararai (the latter two of which are possibly my two favorite songs on the whole album). There’s a rather experimental number, Akonga, in which Hinewehi Mohi trades off verses with a recording of her great uncle which dates back over 30 years. Some of the shorter tracks are instrumental interludes with more traditional instruments; many of the full-length songs, however, have a decidedly modern feel to them.
As mentioned before, Tauararai and Rongo are highlights of the album, along with the soaring coda “Mana”. Unlike the first album, there’s no booklet of helpful Maori-to-English translations; you’re on your own in interpreting the lyrics. If you don’t speak a word of Maori, you’re still in for a treat – you can focus fully on the gorgeous vocals and the relaxing feel of the whole thing. Very, very highly recommended.
- Koauau Pongaihu & Ku (0:40)
- Hawaiki (4:40)
- Akonga (5:36)
- Kurupana (4:14)
- Nguru (0:56)
- Tuhira (4:22)
- Niniwa (4:40)
- Taurarai (6:26)
- Hue Puruhau (0:42)
- Rongo (3:44)
- Pukaea (0:20)
- Haka (1:51)
- Pukaea (0:24)
- Mana (4:55)
- Koauau Pongaihu & Ku (1:43)
Released by: Toi Iho
Release date: 2002
Total running time: 45:13
