Tiki was frontman for NZ band Salmonella Dub for 11 years before embarking upon his solo artist career in January 2007. His skills cover a full spectrum as musician, producer, audio engineer, composer, songwriter, and creator of the Tikidub record label. His first solo single Always On My Mind (included on this album), became the most successful single of all time in New Zealand. This album was certified platinum in NZ. Having won such awards and credentials in his homeland, Tiki set upon developing his international recognition, launching an Australian tour in May 2009.

Tiki is a man with a personal message, which I warmed to immediately. His debut CD moves within a spectrum of genres, all mixed with confidence and energy, and infused with his own very unique style. The CD delivers a journey to the listener; not in terms of continuous flow, but in how the tracks, which can differ substantially, are compiled to stitch a powerful overarching narrative.

Let’s go song by song. Track one commences with an intake of breath that then flows musically through the (ancient) seashell. This progresses to deep male vocals, then… track two, with smooth introductions of gentle rhythmical percussion and deep chanting voices underpinning. Full-on Haka, with the introduction of powerful tribal drums and clapping, followed by emerging electronic influences. Track three takes a sharp turn to NZ additood rapp, speaking the message that music be the platform for debate. Sweet, warm, quality riffs. Track four was somewhat less remarkable, though sweet. Track five gets back to the base camp territory of reefer reggae. Track six is nicely crafted DnB drive with reggae influence. Track seven, the chart stopper! It is pretty much Tiki with his guitar, and its just one of those songs. Track eight is again DnB, but with more rock influence. Fast-paced lyrics, with thick, dark messages.

Track nine starts with a charming telephone message from a travelling Tiki to his loved one, then moves in to aching strings, crisp percussion and echoing vocals. With track ten Tiki introduces that “it’s about struggle”, and then the music changes to solid street groove. With track eleven we move in to wailing introduction, then bright, clear and soothingly melodic guitar. This track titles the CD and speaks of a very personal intrinsic concept. We hear the haunting booming of male Haka chorus interspersed. This track evokes tremendous weight to the whole journey of the CD, with seemingly the (soft) thrusting of motorcycles providing, mysteriously. Sympathetic vibrations of svelte buzzing. Track twelve moves back to lighter sweet female vocal and acoustic piano over slow DnB structure. Track thirteen (the final) brings us, literally, back to the seashore, then in to tribal vocal chanting and on to sparse guitar. It then establishes a crisp groove, and we are back the homeland of NZ reggae.

Tiki takes complete ownership of his concepts and production. His willingness to respect, yet converge genres, in order to openly work through a personal musical journey, proves most effective.

Check out the tracklisting:

1. Whakapuaki An Awakening
2. Tangaroa
3. Now This Is It
4. Our Favourite Target
5. Faded
6. Saviour Dub
7. Always On My Mind
8. Wotcha Got
9. Always On My Mind dub
10. Music Has Saved Me
11. Past Present Future
12. It’s All In Your Head
13. Tainui Waka