Amiria Grenell comes from a musical family. This lady from the deep South has a clear, ethereal vocal delivery that can sit in any number of musical styles, and would own them.

She’s chosen the path of the indie/folk singer/songwriter. I’m glad she has, because if latest single Romeo is any kind of barometer, the freedom to express one’s art in the unfettered ways the genre/occupation of singer/songwriter allows, suits her whimsical sensitivities.

What a gorgeous song Romeo is! I was enchanted from the opening bars, with the well balanced mix of electric and acoustic guitars laying down a beat and some really tuneful phraseology from the electric gat. A warm, chocolatey bottom end sits unintrusively, and then Amiria sings. Let me tell you, this lady has a fabulous voice. A vocal delivery that elevates this already charming tune to the rafters and then some. Written by Amiria herself, the song is about waiting for that love of one’s life, that much anticipated ‘one’. Who are they? What will they be like? How will they sweep me off my feet? And, in a subtle, cutting, plea: can they live and love me right in today’s world?

Engineered by Ryan Fisherman in Christchurch’s Hut studio, mastered in the glorious capital by Mike Gibson, this song has been done justice in musical performance and the studio work. The aforementioned Ryan Fisherman plays drums, Chris Wethey delivers bass, Simon Gregory on guitar and Tom Harris on keyboards, give Amiria the professional delivery this song warranted. Great performances all round.

Accompanied by a cute video recorded in several friends gardens, with a simple message of love and connectivity in all its forms, filmed by Martin Sagadin, Amiria has this to say about it: “We wanted to express how love is brought into our lives in different ways – such as collecting flowers from friends’ and loved ones gardens; seeing the love they had put into their homes and into their families; their inspiration of what love and family is. It was beautiful to witness.”

A little bit Bic Runga. A little bit Julia Deans. Compliments with regard to both. A wonderful brass instrumental (spoiler alert!) at the end. This is Kiwiana folk-pop at its absolute best, and it deserves to be a hit. Available on all channels now. Don’t wait.