There are times in one’s life when one comes across something truly special. I popped the headphones on this evening to give This Heart from Õtautahi’s 1 Drop Nation a listen before giving my review, and didn’t expect what I got.

I knew this band was good. I’d heard the previous single and I dug it. Then this evening I listened to This Heart. And I listened again. And again. And a fourth time. Not to get any objective pointers to put forward, oh no. Because it’s Great. Capital G.

In the 26 years I have been in this country there is a Kiwi Sound, a musical nuance that nobody elsewhere in the world can seem to hit. There’s a Pasifika warmth, a Maori spirituality, the intangible complexity of the European collective’s essence, and something just… so giving.

“‘This Heart’ was written for those who have someone they are willing to share the rest of their lives with,” says the song’s composer Derin Thompson (keyboards, backing vocals / Nga Tai Ki Torere). “Every look, every step together, every emotion felt. It speaks of everlasting love and the reality of a relationship – trials and tribulations – that good things are worth fighting for.”

If I were to give it a comparison with the greats of yesteryear, think of the vocal genius of Herbs. These guys match that. A beautiful arrangement, orchestration and whoever did the studio work to polish up the recording did a masterful (pun intended) job, and certainly did the song justice.

I wasn’t expecting Greatness this evening, but I got it. If you like soulful Kiwi pop music that fits the ears of anyone from Boomer to Xennials, Gen X to Gen Z, literally anyone you care to mention. I cannot rave enough about this song. And I’m wondering if I’m ever going to be delivered a dud to review…