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MAISEY RIKA: Maisey Rika

This debut solo release from Whakatane singer songwriter Maisey Rika is a six-track EP. Although backed by a full band, the key collaborator is her brother JJ. Rika’s acoustic-based sound and compelling vocals are at times haunting, revealing a genuine sense of melody. Local reference points for me include Anika Moa, Moana Maniapoto, Shona Laing and Emma Paki. All six tracks have their charm. Reconnect is her first single (and the video is gorgeous). Letting Go is very likeable and ought to be heard on radio – the chorus oozes hit quality. Elsewhere there’s the stirring Children of Romania and the quirky Scouting Polka with cheeky Lily Allen-like vocals. Interesting phrasing and prominent te reo elements are more ticks for Rika. Produced by Mahuia Bridgman-Cooper and mixed/mastered by Simon Holloway at Beaver Studios. •

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