Joe Moe - Mainland (Poluphonic) Joe Moe is a descendent of Hawaiian music royalty - the grandson of Louisa and Pulu Moe and the grandnephew of Rose and Tau Moe. That’s what it says in the sleevenotes, and knowing absolutely nothing about the Hawaiian musical heritage, I’m in no position to dispute the statement. And why should I. Mainland is a sweet-on-the-tooth collection of South Sea flavoured pop. Attractively easy on the ear and tailor made for lazy summer days. Sugary, but not without bite, “Lotus Festival” is my current fave, a positive, sunny, fuzzed up pop song which, for some inexplicable reason, reminds of all those Scottish C86 indie bands, had they been exposed to natural sunlight and primary colours. On the accompanying press release, Moe lets slip that the making of Mainland was inspired by his friend, Van Dyke Parks, scolding him over dinner, one evening, to make a solo record. You go Joe Moe. With friends like that willing to offer encouragement, and turn up to play on your songs, it’d be borderline churlish not to record an album. www.myspace.com/joemoemainland Rob F. Next