Citizen

Led by two ex-Fat Freddy's Drop members – guitarist Warren Maxwell and bassist Rio Hemopo – Trinity Roots have played a crucial role in the New Zealand scene since the late 90s. With sweet falsetto harmonies and a laid-back vibe, the band exudes the dreamy soulful side of Maori-infused Aotearoa music. Citizen is their first studio album since 2004's Home, Land and Sea, but as the group disbanded in 2005 to pursue individual projects and only reunited in 2010, the time-lag is understandable. With new drummer Ben Lemi onboard, the tunes are fresh but the chilled-out mood remains.

The exception is the opening ‘Bully’, which begins with a strong Maori-style chant, then atypically goes all heavy metal, before evolving into what sounds like an old Pink Floyd outtake. Quieter, more familiar tones emerge on the jazzy title-track, with Maxwell's soft-edged vocals layered onto a gentle bed piano from guest pianist James Illingworth. Tender harmonies also dominate within the acoustic ambience of ‘Clarity’ and the Freddy-like pulse of ‘El Kaptain’, while the country-blues vocals of Canadian/NZ singer Tami Neilson grace ‘Village Man’. The band rocks out on ‘Haiku’, but Maxwell's subtle lyrics remain reflective and insightful throughout. An impressive slow burner, Citizen remains true to the trio's mellow Pacific roots.