Well hello again music world. I am back. I am reviewing new Kiwi music once more – and first cab off the rank is the wonderfully organic sound of Taipella Tide, from – where else could it be? New Plymouth, in that magical region that punches absolutely tonnes above its weight in musical talent, TARANAKIIIIIII!!!!

Chris B is the driving force behind the band and its sound. New single Coming Home is a quality, whimsical and somewhat wistful number, driven by layered acoustic guitars and a gliding tenor vocal that dips into upper baritone at the start of the vocal. Noice.

The guitars and opening vocal have some light delay and reverb lining them (to my ear at least), and we get some subtle percussion that pops in quite early too, giving the track another dimension. Not that it needed more, as it’s a sweet and gently melody and the guitars are lively enough. Still – another dimension, which is great.

Structurally Chris knows how to build a song and tell a tale, so composition and orchestration compliment one another in a nice, understated way. The addition of harmonica makes the song something even greater, elevating the mix and adding a ka-pow element to the middle of the track. Very good idea, and not breaking the bank or flooding the track with effects.

I’ll not speculate on the meaning behind the lyrics. It’s infectious, and the vocal very good and clearly enunciated. Instruments are delivered well, and mixed and balanced just right for what I feel Chris is trying to get to. Nicely worked.

If your thing is highly infectious choruses delivered over the acoustic sound, then this is absolutely in your lexicon. I’m not going to give it a term of reference comparison with anyone else this time: it’s a lovely song with a nice vibe to it, and a chorus you’ll remember and be humming along without realising it, during your day.

It’s on Spotify already so you can go check it out and add to your playlists to give a Kiwi bro some love. Taipella Tide, Coming Home. You’ll be glad you gave it four minutes of your time.