Lava comes in all shapes, textures, colors, and is one of nature’s most astounding sights. Upon contact it makes different sounds depending on the type, situation… or maybe even “mood” of the substance.
…And if it made music, this is what it would sound like.
Doused in red and orange stage lights, the heat of Maui’s beloved band, Lawa, is felt instantly upon entering a show. True to form with its name, Lawa will also change its form. Fast or slow, it’s all good. Their sound can only be experienced, as it fits in most music genres and none of them at the same time. It sounds Hawaiian. It sounds contemporary. It sounds primal. It sounds like punk. It sounds like reggae, jazz, blues, ska, soul, and hip hop. It sounds original. It sounds like that group getting down out there is going to be sore tomorrow. Whatever its form, Lawa is best heard from a dance floor. Dancers, are you tired of the same old beats? Need a little variety in your life? Visit Lawa and a dance floor near you. Uninhibited motion. This band will get everyone, of all ages, up and moving.
Lawa captivates crowds with its presence and feeling. It is a breath of fresh air to music lovers. The seven members are not only talented, but are also alive with personality. The sultry voice of Kahala is backed by some of the island’s most talented musicians, Pete Sebastian on lead accoustic and electric guitars, C.J. MacKay on Spanish rhythm guitar, percussionists, Helio Valente and Christopher Dennis, Gibran Vicente fretless bass and Indio on drums. The group’s solid energy and style is met with a message and meaning in the lyrics. Each artist is a performer, which is refreshing. Lawa’s appeal is directly related to their expressive delivery.
Constantly compared to artists like Tina Turner and Janis Joplin, Kahala’s raspy, straight-from-the-gut passionate spirit holds attention the entire night. This girl can definately belt it out with the best of ‘em. Her voice conjures up a blurry remembrance of some of the greatest female voices of all time, yet stands alone in a world of its own. This is the sound of something big happening.
Maui’s new? voice continues to leave a lingering warm impression on its people for a long time after the show.
Lava is all around us. Listen to its song.
~ Lisa Shaw
