Vanlal officially launched their second album, “Situation”, on Friday March 30, at the Port Vila Seafront Stage. The launch appeared to be very successful with the band selling plenty of CDs and many fans turning out to support them.
“Situation” was recorded at Island Sound Studios. It has been more than twelve months in the making and during this time the band has been based in Port Vila. Band Committee member, Batsari Christian, explained that it is very difficult for the band to come from the island and spend so much time in town. “If not for our kastom relationships, then we could not afford to produce this album. When we come to Vila we stay with our family. We want to send a very big thank you to Sumtoh Ulrich for hosting us in Vila for the last year or so and providing accommodation and food. Also want to thank everyone who has bought a CD for supporting local music.”
“Boe Morovo” is a lively track, sung in the Raga language of North Pentecost and arranged in the Pentecost style of music also known as “raga”. This song tells the story of a man living and working within the traditional economy. Its theme is the continuing and cyclical nature of kastom and it relates the pig-killing and grade-taking ceremonies for the particular area.
Most of the album is reggae, with a couple of raga tracks and the upbeat ska number, “Love of My Life”. The album is made up of songs in four languages: English, French, Bislama, and Raga (North Pentecost).
The album touches on various issues including kastom, freedom and independence, and social problems like violent crime. There is also a track paying tribute to the Santo Hydro scheme at Fanafo, which is the workplace of the band’s composer, Teviri Paulo.
Vanlal hail from Van Melang Eria, Central Pentecost. They first appeared as the surprise packet of Fest’Napuan 2004 in which they stunned the audience with a powerful on-stage presence including traditionally dressed dancers and an energetic performance. Their first album is called “Vanbibi” and has some tracks in the language of Central Pentecost.
The album is available for 2000 vatu now – for more information contact Patrick 43407 or Andre 52790 or email info@furtherarts.org.
