Merahi Kerekere

After a melodic venture in acoustic rock on its debut Tamaki Hope’a (The Final Battle), Tikahiri now punches up the volume on its new release Merahi Kerekere (Black Angel), ith eleven tracks in English or paumotu.
An example of Tikahiri at its best, “Kareho Koe” is acoustic rock at its most muscular, propelled forward by cello riffs. “Falling In Love” is perhaps the album’s most addictive and radio-friendly track- testosterone-driven modern rock with an 80s edge. “A Tauahi Mai” is a tender acoustic ballad with lilting vocals reminiscent of Chris Isaak. “Merahi Kerekere” recalls the best rock ballads but is sung in Paumotu.
But Tikahiri isn’t afraid of delving in more dangerous territories, as in the relentless, gothic “Tupapaku” (Corpse) or the more erotic undercurrents on “You Make My Life”.
The dark vein Merahi Kerekere boldly crosses cultures and countries, genres and content. Independently produced by artists dedicated to their craft, the disc captures the independent spirit too oftenforgotten in rock…