From his newly released EP Secrets (released today, 14th Feb in fact), Scotland-born but Taranaki based singer Dave Ritchie Smith brings us Say It.

Okay, now I’ll level with you. This Taranaki thing with the stunning amount of talented bands of varying genres has been a real eye opener for me. The region keeps delivering music that easily stands tall in the plethora of genres in the NZ independent music scene yet is so well crafted, professionally polished, and just bloody good (!) that I’m genuinely blown away. Damn well done the ‘Naki!

And also, our man Dave here. He’s Scottish. Scotland has one of the richest histories of iconic mainstream, indie and outright avant garde bands in the world. For a country of just over five million Scotland punches far, far, unfeasibly far, above its weight in talent. I’ve just listened to another one of the clever clogs entering the fray.

I haven’t given the whole EP a listen, but based on Say It, I am going to. Sam at Oakura’s Rhythm Ace Studio is starting to deliver on a regular basis for songs I get to review. The man knows his craft. For this one he’s joined in too, providing the piano, keyboards and some BVs to boot. The mix gives us a full-noise Brit-pop sound typical of the north of The Wall exponents of the art across my lifetime. It’s a Rock n Roll song, this one; rich with emotive lead guitar phraseology over some equally emotive chords, and a highly memorable, distinctive melody absolutely dripping with commercial savvy. Catchy as all hell!

We have a bass and drum balance that’s warm yet raunchy, delivered by familiar name Nate Betteridge (busy boy!) and Jarrod Hooper respectively. The bottom end sits very well, loud but deep. Enough to elevate the lead instruments and not overpower them. Great judgement Sam. There’s an organic strings section courtesy of Vicki Holder on the cello and Helen Griffiths on violin (who also provides that much underestimated percussion tool, the good old hand-clap), which collectively bring a gorgeous tone to an already warm song.

Finally the band’s two Daves. Firstly Dave Pope, on lead guitar and BVs. The lead I have already touched on as emotive and phrased across the whole song. It’s got a really rocky tone to it, giving me visuals of another great Scottish melodic indie band, called Glasvegas. This is driven home by Dave Ritchie Smith‘s rhythm guitar which is given some heavy distortion pedal, turning the Rock n Roll into an intense indie anthem. I love this orchestration, and the composition is really cool, keeping your attention as the music itself tells you how the writer obviously wears his heart way out on his sleeve.

Dave‘s vocal performance is very strong. He’s got a crystal clear tenor. No vibrato on show, none necessary for this track. There’s a charming twang of that Auld Scottish in there too that I could pick up. Maybe because I’m a fellow Celt and can spot that stuff, but for me that is an extra tick to a very long line of ticks for this track. This one should be enjoyed watching the band live. Alternatively it would do well with a promo vid and being pushed to Juice. I’ll be giving it more listens – and you could enjoy it down the local, or in the car for a casual drive or on a roadie with your fellow trouble-makers. It suits many occasions, as it’s fairly high tempo indie. It has a melody that turns the head and produces levels of empathy for the emotions it conveys through the excellently crafted lead instruments. That comes from quality song-writing and collaboration.

It’s on Flash-Trax‘s Spotty Fly, and you can find it and the rest of the Secrets EP on Dave‘s playlist there too. What a great track! Get it on your headphones and give it a try. Dave Ritchie Smith, Secrets EP with promo single Say It.

Alba gu bràth!