Single Review: I’m Home

When it comes to reggae music 1 Drop Nation’s latest single, I’m Home, hits all the right notes. Soulful melodies, tight rhythms, and on-point vocals impart a feel-good vibe that will get you chilling or up and dancing, whatever mood you’re in.

Opening with a Maori strum on acoustic guitar, the upbeat style of I’m Home is disarmingly straightforward, with offbeat embellishments that grab your attention from the get-go. There’s a very live feel to the Christchurch-based six-piece band’s studio performance, once again helping to make it a highly relatable release.

Lead singer Kanei Johnson has a smooth vocal style that works exceptionally well for reggae, especially his endearing enunciation towards the end of the more demanding passages, which flawlessly suits this track. Likewise, an unpretentious guitar solo just prior to the band paring things back, sits right in the pocket.

In a similar vein to Cornerstone Roots or Trinity Roots, the overall ambiance of I’m Home takes you away from the daily grind. Although the lyrics are at times a bit derivative and they aren’t breaking any new musical ground, there’s nothing wrong with 1 Drop Nation playing it safe with the tried and true. It’s essentially old-school reggae music written to induce a positive response, and to this extent it’s very successful.

I’m Home is a well-rounded release that effectively showcases the bands musical talents.