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Revival (2006) (Mai Music, 2006 [orig. released 2003])

Another vivid example of the worldwide appeal of reggae, Katchafire's debut album Revival took New Zealand by storm in 2002-2003, going double platinum and scoring the top single of 2002 with the lovers groove "Giddy Up."  Originally released in 2003, this re-release removes the cover of Bob Marley's "Redemption Song" and replaces it with dubs of "Colour Me Life," "Collie Herb Man" ("Reactor Dub"), and "Who You With" ("Dub Me All Jelly").  It also includes a DVD with seven songs -- five videos and two live performances -- plus interviews with the band.  The fact that they even have five videos is a testament to their success, and whether you're watching or just listening, it's easy to tell why Katchafire is so popular.  They have a laid-back lovers rock-inflected roots sound that, appropriately enough, would be right at home in the Hawaiian reggae scene alongside the likes of Ooklah the Moc, Natural Vibrations, and Typical Hawaiians.  On tracks like "Collie Herb Man" and "Sensimillia," they even resemble Steel Pulse, with their bouncy, sing-along style.  As their name implies, Katchafire began as a Marley tribute band but has since found its own voice.  Although as a Maori band, they could easily deliver socially relevant, racially tinged messages, they prefer to provide escapist, universal messages of joy and love -- and they do it damn well.  Every track scores, and the dreamy "Who You With" in particular stands out as a timeless classic.  Revival is the first New Zealand reggae album I've heard (a guest review of Fat Freddy's Drop is featured on this site), and if it's any indication, there's plenty of reason for look forward to more from this part of the world.

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Slow-Burning (Mai Music, 2007) 

*GUEST REVIEW*
"We got the roots music," proclaims the opening track on this album, and by golly, it's got that and more. Following up on the critical success of their previous CD Revival, New Zealand's Katchafire here unleash another round of roots, lovers rock, and pop-style reggae that's equal parts Wailers and UB40. They're pretty laid back throughout, with most of the riddims slow to mid-tempo and vocals that adorn relaxed leads with complimentary easy harmonies. The disc lives up 
to its title sure enough, although the "burn" is definitely present. There's a heavier use of horns than on the band's last disc as well as sneaky jolts of keyboard and crinkly lead guitar sweetening the ever-solid drums and bass. While Katchafire often take the soft road as far as subject matter goes ("Hey Girl," "I Got Ya Back," "Rude Girl"), they throw in enough consciousness ("I and I, " "Frisk Me Down") to keep the party one for the mind as well as the body. Three dubs, including a 
nicely icy Mad Professor-altered "I and I," wrap things up, making the sharpness of this band's inner chops just as clear as their outer good graces. 

- Tom Orr