jazz fest

CURRENT ISSUE

DONATE ADVERTISE SUBSCRIBE

Reviewed by Andrew Witty

Kramit: Electric Chocolate

Reviewed by Andrew Witty

Kramit: Electric Chocolate

Invercargill-turned-Nelson acoustic duo Kramit ooze kiwiana singalongs. The tight-knit couple have delivered ‘Electric Chocolate’, full of kiwi anthems for the Summer (that never was). Candy Blair and John Hendry work together to create beautiful vocal harmonies over affable chords. The duo succeeds in creating rich sounds through layers of harmony within simple chord structures. Kramit definitely has a formula, and it’s one that’s working. The sound is resoundingly impressive for a two-piece. Mastered by Mike Beever, the album is crisp enough to hear the twang of the guitar strings and the pops of the bass. Props have to be given to Candy’s vocals which hold the record together. Her vocal chops can be bluesy, soft, and powerful – almost all at the same time. The song Hush is a highlight, which builds on lull chords and Candy’s prominent vocal line; the chorus bursts with power from the vocals, with a gentle but pretty guitar riff. The final song Shake Your Thing makes you want to snap your fingers and have a boogie – it’s a spacious piece with some slick bass guitar work. This is an album for a fan of good Kiwi acoustic music. Grab a beer or wine, grab a loved one, turn on the barbie, and give it a listen.