Review Summary: A stellar first effort from Kiwi quintet Six60. Their unique blend of rock, electronic, and reggae music results in an album which is an engaging and fun listen, but is let down by a few predictable songs which rely too heavily on the tropes of reggae mus
Initially released in 2011, the self-titled album by New Zealand rock band Six60 infuses a variety of styles into the album from electronica and dubstep, to reggae and hard rock. The album’s central concepts revolve around quintessential New Zealand themes; Whanau (a Maori term which roughly translates to extended family, but is informally used to include friends), nostalgia for youth and home, as well as the general act of eating Fush and Chups while sitting on a beach in jandals, drinking beer.
Six60 features 16 tracks and, at over an hour in playtime, the album is quite the listen. The band’s lead singer, Matiu Walters, has a distinctive Kiwi accent, but also possesses an impressive vocal range. His singing is soulful and he is capable of reaching high pitches, which leads to numerous soaring vocal hooks, as heard in the songs “Forever” and “The Rest of You.” The musicianship of the other band members is functional; the basic reggae rifts serve their purpose of creating a relaxed atmosphere aptly (such as in their single "Don't Forget Your Roots"), and the guitars on the heavier tracks are distorted enough that their simplicity doesn't detract from the band's vibe.
“Hard for Me” is an acoustic song with subtle wubbing in the background, teasing the listener with the prospect of a bass drop. The restraint the band shows during this song is exceptional: they could have easily turned this into a heavy dubstep song, but keeping the acoustic guitar and vocals in the foreground works well. Vocal harmonization is used sparingly and to great effect, adding a soulful touch when needed (such as during the piano-heavy love song “Lost”).
Despite the band’s reggae and soul roots, there are multiple energetic rock songs, which are some of the highlights of the album. “We’re In the Clear” builds in tempo and culminates in a rocking guitar solo, while incorporating distorted synths into the musical landscape. The band knows when to hold back and when to let go, which increases the impact of these songs. “Run for It” features heavily distorted guitars and vocals, and some of the best instrumentation of the album, layering heavy bass with unique vocal hooks (the yelling of “Fight!” during the middle section works well to supplement the aggressive tone of the song). The instrumental track, “Money,” is the shortest song of the album and features heavy, dirty synths. It is used as a transition into “Take It from Here.” Together, these two tracks highlight the immense energy of the band and their unique way of blending rock with electronic music.
Six60's wide range of influences is both its blessing and its curse: the band’s blending of rock, reggae, and electronic subgenres generally works well, but some songs which have a firmer footing in reggae seem to drag on, bringing the album down. Six60 is in their prime when they’re utilizing all of their members: layering bass, drums, acoustic guitar, and synths. The wide range of sounds present means that everyone will have a personal favourite song. But, if you’re into rock/heavy music like me, delete “Only to Be” and “Windy Days” and you’re left with an exceptionally tight album which is simultaneously fun, and soulful.
Recommended tracks: Get, Forever, Besides You, Lost, Take It from Here.
