And here we have it. Unique. Enchanting. Vital. Commercially viable. Ōtautahi lads Dillastrate have got me. Right in the musical feels – and more, which I will go into momentarily.

Taku Ngākau is their new single and video release, and it is powerful soul-pop. With a simply beautiful melody, delivered by jaw-droppingly talented vocalist Henare Kaa (who is also the drummer) and ably accompanied by Tim Driver (keys, bass, synth and anything else!) I am enchanted. I am put in mind of Herbs at their very finest and most soul/Motown-inspired. This is a mid tempo track that is going to draw you in with its bewitchingly light melody and clued-in studio work from Ashburton-based Connor Jaine, with the polishing up done in Whanganui-a-tara by Benny Tones of Organik Musik.

This is a sweet, feel good vibe. Utterly New Zealand in its feel, and sung in both Te Reo and English, with Henare swapping effortlessly from one to the other. I’m going to stray into political waters momentarily, sorry; but in current times, with New Zealand’s new government overtly attempting to belittle both the language and promises made to Te Ao Māori, it is more important than ever for Māori to find and share their voice. Te Reo is itself a Taonga, and what’s happening in New Zealand’s parliament at the end of 2023 is tragic, shameful, and wrong.

Back to happy thoughts. The really cool, easy to follow video, is charming and simple. As their EPK explains: The story of the video is grounded in the Te Ao Māori concept captured by whakataukī ‘ka mua, ka muri’, which roughly translates into English as ‘walking backwards into the future’ – signalling the importance of honouring whakapapa (connection to past generations, history, traditions, ancestors) by looking to the past, to help inform the future.

Tim‘s wife Laura Gebbie was director of photography for the video, working alongside cinematographer James Darroch. Filmed and produced in their hometown, at Orange Studios. As I already said, it’s simple – but it’s effective at getting the feel across. It’s on the YouTubes, so get looking.

There’s very little I can compare this to, other than to say it’s dripping with New Zealand. It’s an honour to have listened to this song, and to provide these words. This song is gorgeous, and should be a number one single. Like a good song should, this fits in anywhere you want to listen to it.

Beautiful, charming, and very special. I’m hooked. MORE!