Õtautahi’s finest return with an intense, unbelievably intense, new single called Play It Loud. From their album Moment In Time, 1 Drop Nation is bringing us a blend of metal, reggae/dub, some hip-hop, and a whole heap of attitude.

Seriously, this song is one of those that screams New Zealand Pasifika. The vibe is capturing everything about the scene that brought us such diversity as Katchafire, Black Seeds et al, but this single is stronger than most. An embittered melody delivered in that bafflingly melodic way musos in this neck of the woods seem inexplicably able to do with barely a nod towards the term “effort”, we have a mid-tempo piece anchored by some roots beats pierced with a heavy guitar. Sound odd? Give this a listen, because it works so well. An angry melody yet soothed by artists who can do this in their sleep. I remain in awe.

Lee Prebble has done an amazing job on the studio work for this entire album. This isn’t my number one genre for go-to, but it’s not one I ever reach for the off-switch on either. 1 Drop Nation is a band I will be reaching for the volume up control. As Spinal Tap’s Nigel Tuffnell said: this one goes up to eleven. I’ll be turning 1 Drop Nation up to twelve.

Well drilled vocals and harmonies draw this compelling number through its message; the tale of bands struggling to get help in the current music industry environment. The video is in line with this. A meeting between two execs and a manager, interrupted with performance shots of the band playing. Really good atmospheric lighting, and a great rhythm and continuity to the video allows a story to develop. Matt Evlampieff with the aid of 2nd cameraman Ollie Hudson are to be commended.

This is a very strong song, and clever, commercial release. The time of year is right – this is one for the barbecue, for the commute or roadie, for the weekend chilling or doing the housework. This is summer and it’s going to be on Mai, George, 95bFM, and everywhere else. Or it better be, anyway!

It you ain’t heard these guys yet, start listening to them. 1 Drop Nation should be global.