Kashtin's newest hypnotic, harmonic

akua tuta by Kashtin, a Columbia recording

This musical treat starts by placing you by the lakeshore, the loon crying to your spirit, the hypnotic drum beat luring you into the Kashtin spell.

Light and airy guitars, a blues fiddle, some harmonica and warm, sometimes gravelly vocals harmonize together in a mature sound. These are songs of Mother Earth, self-confidence, compassion, hope and dreams. By the second tune - kasset - All the Children, Kashtin has set the mood.

Earthy melodies and folk guitars remind me at times of mainstream artists Dire Straits. For those new to Kashtin, as I am, this seems like a good disc to get into. It matters not that I do not understand the lyrics, as the translations are included. The emotions are well expressed in the lead performance and backing rhythms. The production is as rich as any recording gets. The songs are varied from upbeat folk, lovely ballads and even a toe-tapping country tune called Tapue Shtutune, You Really Make Me.

For the youth it's a mellow popular recording. For the adults it's a classic sound that's safe and still lively. The only fault I can find here is sometimes a couple melodies build to a climax without a follow through in unleashed vocals. Hey guys! Next time try letting go on one or two tunes. You almost did it on Tshekuanu Mak - Why.

All in all this is a disc worth paying for an leaving on the stereo for a couple of days straight.