Annnnd Jack is back! Sorry folks, issues outside of anyone’s control. Back now – and OHHHHH what a way to step back into reviews.

Pōneke based soul-pop band Shivers are giving us their new single Tahuti and it is a statement in so many different ways. Firstly the song is delivered in Te Reo, which I am always a fan of, but especially so in such challenging times for the elder language of these islands. Secondly they have hit this out of the park for commercial and professional savvy. I shall elaborate…

This is a very warm, embracing tune. A bittersweet, melancholy melody is turned into the sound of the incoming summer by the up-tempo reggae-ish beat. Fusing some chocolatey bass with a guitar mixed to a level where it’s absolutely dripping with South Pacific soul – and played well, to boot – and we have a compelling mix that draws you in. The Māori language is a beautiful, flowing language that lends itself so well to any waiata, and when such a gorgeous melody is delivered with such aplomb, you’re going to just sink in and lose yourself.

Vocally, singer Timmy Porter has a timbre made for the genre this band releases under. I know the band has done considerable work getting the Te Reo correct for grammar, comprehension and pronunciation, and the hard mahi has paid off. This is beautiful. Guitar player Adrian Win (Ngāruahine, Te Atiawa) delivers some nice, warm chords and a deliberately non-shredding lead that continues the vibe of the song perfectly. Good picking and composing of the lead part, overcrowding the part would have spoiled it.

The bottom end, the rhythm section of Rick Cranson and Josh Parata (Te Atiawa, Ngāti Toa, Te Rarawa), is an unsung hero of the track. Such a nice fusion, and this is what truly brings the summer into the mix. I’ve not got toe lowdown on where it was recorded or who twiddled the knobs on the desks, but kudos there too, as this is really neat.

It’s on the Spotify, so go check it and support Shivers‘ mahi here. Also the YouTube vid is out, so I won’t add spoilers. Instead just go find it and enjoy the beautiful capital of this country. What are they singing about? I always prefer to let the band give us their thoughts whenever I can, so from the EPK: “Born from my personal experiences, ‘Tahuti’ was written for men who may see being vulnerable and asking for help as a sign of weakness,” says Timmy. “In my eyes that is really a strength. It is very open, honest and explicit in telling our bro’s that we love them. We need to look out for each other, be there for each other through tough times, and that the small things we do can make a big difference.”

That alone should give some of you cause to support. Wonderful to see the times a’changin’ and this being an ever decreasing Tapu. You will enjoy Tahuti by Shivers. It will be on the radio and the telly. Go find it now, and see what I mean.