I would like to think Mara TK, Tayy Ninh and Myele Manzanza left the busy-ish metropolis of New Zealand’s capital city Wellington for some small, hidden place within the greenery, situated amongst changing warm pacific breezes and glittering rays of sunshine to craft their stunning debut album. A self-entitled masterpiece, such is the feeling of dedication to beauty; the backdrop surely couldn’t be anything else.

Realistically though, it was produced over the course of a year and half, in various studios with borrowed equipment and a lot of love and patience from friends and family.

Tayy, multi-instrumentalist and co-founder of the group, orchestrates a 13-track, complex but guided journey through modern hip-hop, soul and psychedelia. Each joint has thick drums and percussion at their core, played by young prodigy drummer Myele. Followed by layers upon layers of synth lines, hints of Fender Rhodes, nylon-string guitars and soul-moving individualistic vocals from Mara (the other co-producer).

And it’s really when Mara sings that the true emotional reach of EWH becomes apparent. Like a young Marvin Gaye (he’s actually a white red haired dude) wearing a shiny space suit raised in the southern hemisphere, he holds a note fans of Fat Freddy’s Drop frontman Dallas Tamaira would happly applaud to. Just lend an ear to romantic ‘Again’ or horn-led swing throwback ‘They Don’t Know’ if you think the comparison is too dear.

Other standouts include electronically cosmic ‘Thank You Steve’ and aggressive ‘Burn,’ highlighting the bands strong moral beliefs with marching style.

Featuring artists like U.S. recording artists Georgia Anne Muldrow (Epistrophik Peach/SomeOthaShip/Ubiquity Records), Atlanta-based Stacy Epps, Mara’s dad and NZ blues legend Billy TK to UK future soul exponent Steve Spacek, EWH have gained critical acclaim worldwide. And with known taste approvers Giles Peterson and Benji B avid fans there really couldn’t be a better recommendation to buy this.

Fresh, Challenging, gracious and profoundly moving, Electric Wire Hustle is a modern day classic.
Words Ali Raymond
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