THREE HOUSES DOWN BIO:
THREE HOUSE DOWN was formed in 2004 by Lisiate Langi, Rob, Sione, Roy and Charlie Pome’e after they left another band that was based - three houses up - the road from their parents home. The band PA and equipment was purchased by Rob’s dad Talanoa after some encouragement from the boys grandfather Tevita Aho Pome’e, who sadly passed away recently.
The band is built on a strong choral tradition. Rob, his father and his late grandfather have all been choirmasters. The band are based in Otara and have built up a large and loyal live following by playing gigs week in week out. They are known for tight musicianship, a good work ethic and putting on a great show.
The members of THREE HOUSES DOWN at the time of recording were; Charlie Pome’e (lead singer and rhythm guitar), Rob Pome’e (rhythm keyboards and backing vocals), Sione Pome’e (backing vocals), Clayton Holloway (fender Rhodes, B3 Hammond and grand piano), Vince Brbich (bass), Junior Brown (lead guitar and octaves), Ritchie Langi (drums), Tala Niko (percussion), Siosaia Manu (trombone), Peni Tapueluelu (trumpet) Lino Pongi (trumpet), Mark Houghton (saxophone) and Norah Pange (lead singer “Island Lullaby).
After months of rehearsal and refinement of the arrangements at the Pome’e home, the album was recorded over 5 days at York Street Studios in Auckland. Three days of live takes without a metronome were followed by two days of overdubs. Mixing took a further five days.
The recording process was made easy by the band’s sense of family, fun, musicianship and work ethic. The album was helped along in true “Island style” with plenty of food, control room dancing, car park cricket, laughs and two memorable kava sessions.
The album comprises 10 songs. Nine of the songs are original compositions. All of the musical arrangements were driven by band leader Rob Pome’e in consultation with the band. The lyrics have been written by a variety of people; Anthem and Dreadtown, Dandyman, What Bablylon Wants and Duty Solicitor, Rastafari (Rob Pome’e), Ghetto world and Island Lullaby (Mary Terepo, band leader Rob Pome’e’s partner) and Soldiers . The tenth song, Foi Paongo, is their unique reggae version of a well known Tongan kava song.
The artwork includes drawings by drummer Ritchie Langi and the pick of the photos of the recording sessions taken by Nic Manders.
“DREADTOWN” is a cohesive musical statement – a Pacific interpretation of one of the world’s great musical genres – roots reggae. “Dreadtown” has already featured on Radio Australia show “In the Loop” which went out to the Pacific, including Tonga, Rarotonga and Samoa.
Plans are in place for a 2008 release of “Dreadtown” in Hawaii and the United States!!!
