Rei - Album Review: Enjoy The Ride
Enjoy The Ride showcases Rei’s diversity and prowess as a musician and producer with its mix of rap, pop, R&B and UK flavour, it’s a fusion of innovative styles. Written over the past 2 years, mixed and mastered by Kog Studio’s Chris Chetland and supported by NZ On Air, this project is a musical ride in itself. "I used to put a lot of my success and happiness into external career achievements, like stream numbers or awards. Enjoy The Ride is about learning to have fun in the process, rather than being always hung up on end goals."
The album sounds absolutely phenomenal, polished and refined. Not only that, but each track has a character that showcases what Rei is capable of. From the opening track Die Happy Feat. Rydah, which has an energetic feel to it in the chorus, great rap and cadence during the verse, then moving into tracks like Chasing The Sun Feat. Isadora which is more poppy, yet still sounds and fits with the aesthetic of the albums sound.
As mentioned, every track has a character. The third track Hoki Mai / Come Back will feel familiar to you yet it stands out as a feel-good track to have playing during summer. The way te reo is seamlessly interwoven into a lot of the tracks is fantastic. Hearing catchy tracks like this will have people singing as well and learning at the same time.
One of the stand out tracks to me is Who I Am which is an honest dialogue about everything that is happening in the world right now while still being able to know who you are. The story telling isn't here on this track alone. It is everywhere. Rei's voice and delivery is excellent. It is right up there as some of the best I have heard in this genre coming out of NZ. I hope that this gets attention overseas as I feel people should feel this honest vibe.
"I never made music for a silly critic." Yes. I can tell. And that's how it should be. Write because you love it, because you love making music and the experience of the process. All that is out on the table on this album. There is something here for everyone.
About Rei
If Rei is an example of upcoming Kiwi artists, the future looks bright. From creating music the last 10 years to present his multi genre sound, Rei is definitely on the cutting edge, and is influenced by our global music community. Mostly by the UK House/Garage style, by Hip hop from major US rappers but, his album has the extra elements of Maori language, haka and kiwi slang, making the sum of A Place to Stand a smoothly produced audio experience. It also sounds BIG in a stadium or club setting.
Already releasing a number of tracks from this album, A Place To Stand includes beauties like Mix an electro acoustic ballad (with Rei on guitar), a lot of club bangers such as Deep and a few not-so- cheesy love songs like Basics.
Visit the muzic.net.nz Profile for Rei
Releases
Other Reviews By Ben Ruegg
The Gemini Effect - Album Review: Hotwire Babylon
28 Nov 2024 // by Ben Ruegg
Hailing from Auckland’s North Shore, The Gemini Effect is a trio that brings a fresh, unapologetic energy to alternative rock. Fronted by Rob Sharp on guitar and vocals, with John Blackburn on bass and Ben Farrant on drums, the band blends influences as diverse as grunge, psychedelic rock, dub, and garage.
Read More...
Ollie McLean - EP Review: Bluesrappin'
29 Sep 2024 // by Ben Ruegg
Ollie McLean's debut EP Bluesrappin' is quite the experience. Recorded and produced by his friend, Ollie who is only 21 brings a sound that reminds me of a cross between old school Beck and Beastie Boys.
Read More...
SKILAA - Album Review: Tiger In The River
04 Jul 2024 // by Ben Ruegg
SKILAA’s sound is a unique blend of RnB, alternative, progressive folk, and hip-hop. The band began writing together in late 2017 after meeting through Auckland University’s Jazz programme.
Read More...
02 Jun 2024 // by Ben Ruegg
Thursday 30 May, 2024 was a wonderful night for our music industry. The Aotearoa Music Awards were being held for the first time at the Viaduct Event Centre, and for the first time in two years.
Read More...
Dan Sharp - Album Review: Between The Brave, Bold and Given Up
30 May 2024 // by Ben Ruegg
The opening track of Dan Sharp's album named Between The Brave, Bold and Given Up sounds familiar in a good way. It's like coming home after a long day, with cold weather and rain, but opening a door to warmth and comfort.
Read More...
Tom Knowles - Album Review: Atarangi - Morning Sky
28 Jun 2023 // by Ben Ruegg
Tom Knowles latest release Atarangi - Morning Sky is a must listen. Like, close this page now, go listen to the album, and then come back and read this.
Read More...
SuperMild - Single Review: Self Respect
21 Jun 2023 // by Ben Ruegg
SuperMild is a 3-piece genre-spanning band based in Auckland. Once cited in a review as spanning Reggae, Dub, Roots, RnB, Funk, Psychedelic, Rock, and Jazz, SuperMild is driven by a desire to not get stuck in one sound, and to bring banter, energy, a good time, and a great sound to as many stages as possible.
Read More...
Mazbou Q - SURVIVR6 - EP Review: Metahuman
11 May 2023 // by Ben Ruegg
This latest EP release, Metahuman, immerses listeners in a captivating cinematic journey from its very first note. With an infusion of sounds and concepts reminiscent of high-budget modern action films, the EP exudes an undeniable sense of intensity and potency that is instantly evident on the opening track, BBDO.
Read More...
Most Viewed Artists
Latest Galleries
NZ Top 10 Singles
- APT.
ROSÉ And Bruno Mars - DIE WITH A SMILE
Lady Gaga And Bruno Mars - BIRDS OF A FEATHER
Billie Eilish - TASTE
Sabrina Carpenter - I LOVE YOU, I'M SORRY
Gracie Abrams - ESPRESSO
Sabrina Carpenter - SAILOR SONG
Gigi Perez - LOSE CONTROL
Teddy Swims - A BAR SONG (TIPSY)
Shaboozey - GOOD LUCK, BABE!
Chappell Roan
More Content on muzic.net.nz
Google Site Search
100% New Zealand Music
All content on this website is copyright to muzic.net.nz and other respective rights holders. Redistribution of any material presented here without permission is prohibited.
Report A Problem
