In Print  Home  Directories  Reviews  Get In Touch  Forums  Links  Gig Guide  

Ariana Tikao: Tuia

The first track on this album stopped me in my tracks - Ariana Tikao’s voice is absolutely stunning. The singing is in Te Reo so unfortunately I have no idea what’s being said, but it touches me nonetheless. There’s something about her ethereal tone and choice of melody that’s quite haunting, and her words remained echoing in my skull for quite some time. After this I had high expectations for the rest of the album, and only on a couple of occasions were they not met. At times Tikao’s melodies seem to wander as if a bit lost, and inevitably with her many different styles she shines less in some. One that really grabs me is that of Emma Paki-esque Niwareka and Stitched - where Tikao seems as at home as in her waiata. A beautiful embellishment to the whole project (certainly to be attributed in-part to producer Leyton), are the lush canvas of soundscapes sitting behind many of the tracks. They include conch shells, trickling water, waves on a beach and a Southern dawn chorus. All up a lovely album from a very talented young woman.

Related Information