Heed The Call! Whakarongo Nga Tamariki CD

It would be fair to say that New Zealand's contribution to the global funk, soul and disco scenes has long been overlooked. Happily, this superb compilation from Vostok attempts to put the record straight. It boasts 17 killer cuts record and released in the South Pacific nation between 1973 and '83. Naturally, there's plenty of rare and sought-after material on show throughout, with cuts ranging from dazzling disco-rock fusion, low-slung AOR disco and sensual disco soul, to sparkling, synth-laden blue-eyed soul, uplifting gospel-soul and rubbery, boogie-era dancefloor jams. The accompanying sleeve notes are naturally rather illuminating, too, making this a hugely enjoyable history lesson.