Unity Pacific is a reggae band from Aotearoa (New Zealand) led by activist, poet, and singer,Tigilau Ness. On their second album Into the Dread, Unity Pacific recorded an epic 73 minute long player which grabs you with its soul - filled grooves. The warmth and ambience of the work is best appreciated as a complete listening experience. The album is full of heart and soul, powered by Tigi's characterful voice and spare poetic lyricism. The beautiful simplicity of the melody is made more profound by the instrumental backing under the voice which is best described as "stripped back dread roots". Unity Pacific band leader, Tigi, is a creative person who prides himself on writing songs that speak to people. It is a rare type of music - in this commodified world - that is capable of reaching out and touching those who need it most. "Into the Dread" is not informed or constrained by commercial imperatives. Most of the songs are profound contemplations with cycles of verse sung live over extended live improvisations. For example, "King of Justice" is an 8 minute piece in which Tigi contemplates his faith while the electric guitar rises and falls in the back of the mix, complemented by B3 Hammond sustains, deep impenetrable bass lines and the rhythmic hold of drums and scratch guitar that mirror the words "He only knew go forward, retreat was not in his vocabulary...". Next week Unity Pacific record again. This time it will be for a digital single release "Reggae Testamon" which is intended as a statement on materialism and the loss of culture. Tigi's opening verse begins with the words: Unity Pacific will bring this latest song "Reggae Testamon" to you on myspace in early March 2009. Official Band Myspace: https://myspace.com/unitypacific/