House of Shem "Keep Rising" Review

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Strictly speaking, this album of well-crafted original reggae is in no way a product of the ....Hawaii.... recording industry.

The House of Shen isn't from ..Hawaii.. (they're Maori), they didn't do the work here (they recorded at home in ..New Zealand..) and none of the songs are about ....Hawaii...., per se. However, the Hawaii Academy of Recording Arts allows albums like this one to compete in the "genre" categories at the Na Hoku Hanohano Awards as long as they've been licensed for domestic release by a Hawaii-based record distributor.

"Keep Rising" has indeed been licensed, and since HARA defines this as a product of the local record industry, it can be covered here. Local reggae fans will find it worth a listen.

The title song calls for unity among Maori in ....New Zealand.... -- a theme equally relevant for Hawaiians. Several other selections contain similar politically conscious themes in warning of the dangers and temptations of "....Babylon....," and calling on "people in high places" to work for the good of the people rather than self-enrichment.

The group delivers these messages with solid, well-written instrumental arrangements. Tracks with romantic secular themes find them equally skilled in that genre. Based on what local acts have put out so far this year, House of Shen could be well a finalist -- if not the winner -- for best reggae album at the Hokus in 2010.