Agent Alvin

Wellington artist Agent Alvin wrote most of his self-titled debut album on his own, but co-wrote several of the tracks with vocalists, including "On The Rise" with London-based MC Spikey Tee (who also did the vocals) as well as "Sabotuer" with Ruth Carr from Minuit, and others with MC Kyla from GnD and Meg Martin.

Citing musical influences ranging from hip-hop to classical, Agent Alvin also notes the effect of seeing New Zealand drum & bass acts like Concord Dawn and Bulletproof and their success overseas while maintaining base in New Zealand. He currently has vinyl releases forthcoming on Breakbeat Science (New York), Industry Recordings (UK), Fix Recordings (UK) and Incite Recordings (New York) with "more on the horizon...", including a three-track 12" of tracks from this album with Capitalrecordings (CREV1209).

Be Bop A Nui by Brother J

The recently released first artist album from Sugarlicks by Aucklandbased Singer/Songwriter Brother J (Jason Leslie Hall) Brother J is a former member of Mesh and has worked with Slowdeck &DLT. He is also an accomplished player of traditional Maori instruments.

Co-produced by Wellington's Mu (Fat Freddy's Drop/Roots Foundation)and featuring appearances from Maya plus members of Trinity Roots, Fat Freddy's Drop, and The Black Seeds.

Enter Ariel by Love Consort

An exceedingly interesting blend of groove and dance music. Inspired by a five not musical phrase and a choral piece in a Dunedin production of Shakespeare "The Tempest". Musician/Producer Wallace Chapman gathered together a group of Dunedin 'Weirdos' in order to make this disk.

The first track "Song Of Juno" defines the approach of this album; a beautiful soprano from Rebecca Rice and the previously mentioned musical phrase ("Enter Ariel") are married to programmed dance beats, funk guitar, and some slapping bass. If this idea sounds familiar, fear not; this album is no rehash of Malcolm Mclaren's "Fans".

The production is a musical cut and paste. Samples of the choral piece, of discussions concerning the album, and other sound bites are sprinkled throughout its tracks, giving the disc unity. Judicious use of piano, violin, viola and cello keeps the feel organic, the technology never robs these pieces of their human soul.

Stand-out tracks include "I Want To Touch You" the smoldering sensuality of Genevieve Mcleans vocal perfectly complimented by violin/viola and organ, and the acid jazz of "You Have One New Message". Selecting individual songs however may be unfair, the album has its own internal logic, each track makes reference to others and builds to a unified whole.

By taking text from Shakespeare, an eclectic range of instrumentation and musical styles, a group of people from Dunedin have created an almost faultless gem.