Darrell Aquino: Press

Kailua born musical director, songwriter, bassist, and vocalist Darrell Aquino is widely recognized for his role as the driving force in the Hawaiian rock band “Sugahdaddy,” which blends contemporary island sounds with a funky touch of rock n’ roll. Sugahdaddy’s latest album, “Under A Native Moon” recently won “Rock Album of the Year” at the 2005 Na Hoku Hanohano Awards as well as placing first in the “rock” category at the 8th Annual Hawaii Music Awards.

"People always ask us, 'What kind of stuff do you play?'" said bandmember Darrell Aquino. "And I always say, good, good music. It's fun storytelling, just having a great time. We play rock and roll."

Kalani Souza and Darrell Aquino write rock and folk rock songs about life in Hawaii.

"The genre itself is yes, rock, but it's still the feeling of being a part of this place," Aquino said. "We feel being from Hawaii, if we write music, it's Hawaiian music, right?"

"Live Love, Love Life"
Darrell Aquino
(Daddy Leopard)


Aquino takes a break from his Hoku Award-winning partnership with M. Kalani Souza and their SUGaHDaDDY 'ehawaiianrockband with this economically produced solo album featuring his original songs. Fans of SUGaHDaDDY will find Aquino's music a natural progression from his work with the band, while others already with a taste for singer-songwriters will find this album worth sampling.

Aquino opens with a Hawaiian song co-written with Alohalani Housman that sets the mood and establishes the acoustic format of the album. The second song, "Michelle's Millions," boosts the energy level and displays Aquino's finesse as a lyricist; the song is not about money, but the many ideas his wife brings to their relationship.

Guitarist Clayton Apilando and drummer Mark Caldeira later join Aquino on "Right or Wrong," the heaviest and hardest-rocking song on the album. He mellows out after that with a mixed bag of insightful songs that includes the title number, which could be a Christian song. If that's the case, he doesn't assault the listener with a heavy born-again message. Good work, Darrell!

John Berger Review
Island Mele, Honolulu Star-Bulletin
Sept. 29, 2006