Unity Pacific

Unity Pacific

Unity Pacific is a reggae band hailing from Aotearoa (New Zealand), fronted by activist, poet, and singer Tigilau Ness.

Into the Dread

Their second album, Into the Dread, features a sprawling 73-minute listening experience characterized by its soul-filled grooves. The album's warmth and atmosphere are best absorbed as a complete journey, showcasing the heartfelt and soulful nature of the music. Tigilau Ness's distinctive voice and spare, poetic lyricism are central to the album's appeal, complemented by an instrumental backing described as "stripped back dread roots" that enhances the profound simplicity of the melodies.

A Message Beyond Commerce

Band leader Tigilau Ness is a creative force committed to writing songs that resonate with listeners. In a world often driven by commercialism, Unity Pacific offers a rare kind of music capable of reaching and touching those who need it most. Into the Dread is notably free from commercial constraints. Many of its tracks are deep contemplations, featuring verses sung live over extended improvisations.

An example of this approach is the 8-minute piece "King of Justice." In this track, Tigilau Ness reflects on his faith, with the electric guitar weaving in and out of the mix, supported by Hammond B3 sustains, deep bass lines, and the rhythmic foundation of drums and scratch guitar. These elements mirror the lyrical sentiment, "He only knew go forward, retreat was not in his vocabulary..."

Upcoming Releases

Unity Pacific was set to record a new digital single, "Reggae Testamon," intended as a statement against materialism and cultural erosion. The opening verse of "Reggae Testamon" begins with the words: "Unity Pacific will bring this latest song 'Reggae Testamon' to you on myspace in early March 2009."