Karakia is an immediately enjoyable experience. The album boasts largely originals, including a composition by guitarist Graeme Webb (most recently heard on the Fondue Set album), but also includes sympathetic cover versions of John Coltrane and Herbie Hancock standards. The atmospheric arrangements and flowing and emotive playing are both relaxing and stimulating, with the tracks 'Karanga' and 'Karakia' (the opener and closer on the album) setting the scene for this Aotearoa-inspired album"
Reviewer: Brent Cardy. Real Groove magazine, May 2000

"Karakia, meaning prayer in Maori, is the title of the Chris Mason-Battley Group's debut album. And indeed, listening to the album can be an almost spiritual experience.The album, and each track on it, is carefully composed as if intricate parts of a story.The haunting voice of Hinemaia Riddell welcomes listeners, in the aptly named lead track Karanga (welcome). Karanga suggests the start of a journey and indeed the rest of the album fulfills that promise. Elements of jazz, rock and cultural influences are beautifully intertwined culminating in Karakia, or closing prayer."
Selector Music Monthly, June 2000