If you were among the fortunate to enjoy the sleeper lp by Electric Wire Hustle from 2009 then you’re already familiar with New Zealand’s Benny Tones. Benny was the architect behind the beats and rhythms that made EWH such a huge hit. For his solo debut “Chrysalis”, he delivers once again with another lp filled with hypnotic beats, irresistible grooves plus a few contributions from some of the most talented vocalists not just from New Zealand but on the scene today. EWH front man Mara TK appears on four tracks and all of them strike the right chords but the standout is “Nevermind”. The future soul mid-tempo synth flavored gem captures the imagery of a man in search of a companion as Mara TK lyrically states. Joe Dukie from Fat Freddy’s Drop shines on the laidback dub stepper “Home”. “Odyssey” is another mid-tempo musical voyage filled with clever synths and the beautiful voice of songstress LP. There are other selections that deserve to be heard like the instrumental “Little City” and the title track, a sublime slice of electronica which features the blissful vocals of Sacha Vee. Benny has crafted another superb record that you’ll no doubt wear out just as you did with the EWH recording. It won’t be long before other vocalists and rappers start seeking his services to out the best in their recordings as well. With a record as strong as this, that’s not a bad idea.
