For some artists, first time is not the charm. Debuts are often messy and lacking vision as the group or artist continue to figure out their sound and their way in the industry. However, that cannot be said for Avenues, the debut EP from Auckland 6-piece Where’s Jai. Made up of members; Grace Allis (Lead Vocals), Leigh Edmeades (Lead Vocals), Elliott Borland (Drums), Michael Walmsley (Lead Guitar), Jai Nelson (Rhythm Guitar), and Nate Fullerton (Bass).

Avenues presents a strong, unified, and clear vision of the band's sound. Opening with Killing Off Dreams, I’m simultaneously wanting to sit down and relax and feeling the urge to get up and groove. It’s a paradox that works. I’m listening to this EP on a cold night in April, but the rhythm guitar’s grooves, and the funky melody of the keyboard in the first half of the song (especially in the bridge), make me want to don the jandals and stubbies and fire up the grill. Killing Off Dreams takes a slightly more dramatic turn in the second half. The breakdown in the final minute of the song is a welcome surprise.

Citrus Mistress is up next. The almost isolated vocals that open the song are bluesy and (in the best way) haunting. When the rest of the band kick in, the reggae vibes appear. By the second half of song, Where’s Jai are soaring. Citrus Mistress is easily the powerhouse of the EP and ranking among my favourites of Avenues.

Imagine 90’s Shania Twain, 00’s Carrie Underwood and Tadpole, and the desert rock style of The White Stripes had a sassy love child, and you’d land somewhere near track 3, Stuck In Time. This rocking jam is where Nate, Jai, Michael, and Elliot shine (the vocals of Leigh and Grace are as strong and dialled in as all the other tracks of course). A special shoutout to those bass and guitar solos though, Nate and Michael.

Fourth track Pull Me In is a slowed down and ethereal contrast to Stuck In Time. The heart wrenching melody and lyrics talk about the death of love, and what happens when what was once beautiful turns sour. Pull Me In is probably my favourite vocal performance of the whole EP. I believed every word. While the lyrics are no doubt forlorn and melancholic, it’s the hope injected into the line “when will we be fine again?” that made me adore this track. It’s so soulful. Grace’s gift for writing is best displayed here.

Tyler’s Apology - Demo is the 5th and final track of Avenues. Another slowed down track, it’s a soft and soothing ending to this EP. Both Grace and Leigh shine on this track, working together to glide over the melody, the soft guitars serve as a guiding hand. Tyler's Apology - Demo to me, feels like floating down a stream. Free and easy.

All in all, as far as debuts go… made a mark. Watch this space and book the Homegrown stage now. We’re about to get some Kiwi icons.

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