New Zealand has this knack of making beautiful music that spans genres one would never believe possible. Taranaki’s alt-Swamp Blues band The Mons Whaler has certainly captured this with the title track to their new EP Won’t Let You Go.

Comprising vocalist/guitarist Hemi Coates, bass/BVs Phil Hoskin, Drums/Percussion/BVs Andre Peri and keyboards/BVs/lead guitar Courtnay Low, I found a touch of Pasifika roots in with the earthy bluesy rhythm section. I loved that, and was very pleasantly surprised by the blend. It takes a good team of musicians to pull off something like this, and I can truly attest to the fact that these musicians are in that category. Categorically.

It’s a sweet-sad melody. Beautifully sweet-sad, in fact, and devoid of any overt melancholy or cynicism. There’s no saccharin. There is, however, a well-timed and orchestrated build-up to the chorus that I can see is going to be a live singalong favourite. Just how a performing band should deliver. I hear there’s a launch party coming up too, so keep an ear out.

This really doesn’t put me in mind of anyone else that I can give you a common term of reference for, with regard to what to expect. That’s a good thing. This is very well put together. The studio work is exquisite. Composition expertly applied, instrumental pieces obviously well thought through and added strategically and not too greedily. Listen to the track and you’ll get what I mean.

They’ve delivered a warm, understated performance video to accompany the single, which you can see on YouTube. Lighting is smart, camera work not too busy, smooth, clear and complimentary. Kiwi film and video teams Fused and Soel Creative can be commended for their work on this piece.

Despite being a ballad, this song is definitely going to be a crowd pleaser at their shows. I will also enjoy this as the warmer weather finally puts in an appearance and the missus advises me that it’s time to break out the BBQ – and that we’re expecting company. The car, the commute on the choo choo train. This track is going to fit in anywhere.

Definitely my cup of tea, and being from one of my favourite parts of New Zealand as they are, I am definitely a convert to The Mons Whaler. I definitely want to know where the name came from…