Kapakahi, Twisted, Bent, and Confused, CD Review

Is Ska-reggae-ic a word? It is now. Let’s use it in a sentence.

Percussive, rhythmic jams floating in a ska-reggae-ic sea make Kapakahi’s CD, Twisted, Bent, and Confused, a fun, energetic, and entirely likeable collection of upbeat grooves.

The musical set starts of quickly with the solid opener, “Body Glove.” This high-tempo song sets the tone for the rest of the CD, which has no slow songs and makes no apologies for that fact. This disc jams from start to finish.

Kapakahi is a tight band, and their rhythms are infectious. Complete with drums, guitar, bass, percussion, baritone sax and some well-blended harmonies, these guys capture a great, non-overproduced sound on this CD. I can only imagine how much energy they would generate live.

One of my favorite tunes on this disc is the pop-oriented and very catchy, “She Could Be the One.” I can definitely see this song getting some major radio play on stations featuring reggae, island music, and even salsa. The hook is solid and the harmonies are right-on.

Another tune on this disc with great harmonies is, “Stone Believer.” The instrumental vibe in this song vaguely and pleasantly reminds me of jam bands such as the Grateful Dead or the Allman Brothers. Once the reggae style vocals come in on top of this music, it really makes for a unique and great sound.

Bands with great energy can carry themselves a long way. Bands who can combine that energy with strong instrumentalism and songwriting, like Kapakahi, are all too often a rarity. If you don’t get around to seeing them perform live, I recommend buying their disc, Twisted, Bent, and Confused. I get the feeling they’ve captured their live sound very well in these recordings.

Artist Website: www.myspace.com/kapakahi