The Southern hemisphere is pumping out its musical talent at the moment: The Brunettes, Lawrence Arabia, Angus and Julia Stone and The Flight of the Conchords (if comedy counts) have all risen sharply in popularity. Californian Ryan McPhun has linked up with New Zealand natives Amee Robinson and Imogen Taylor to release Kenya Dig It, which exemplifies a perfect reason for the influx.
The sound is seemingly, effortlessly, utterly international without being overly worthy. There are Polynesian percussions, Afro pop, Beach Boy harmonies, Maori mythology and Swahili loincloths thrown into the indie-orientated mix.
The title track is a psych-pop single; multilayered, rich, dreamy, coastal that starts the EP with a punch. Papatuanuku is frankly one of the few tracks this year to tickle listeners into a smile and a jiggle with its exotic choral work, organ and electro beats. Gibble sweetly echoes barbershop arrangements while Khaki Kikoi's chimes, claps and sirens make for a more distinctly African flavour.
Ever cross-cultural track and with puns aside, Kenya Dig It can be dug. It is an awesome 'something new' for the summer.
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