Album Review: The Space In Between

“Loving is a revolution,” Niki Kennedy muses in the opening moments of her new debut album, The Space In Between. It’s a simple yet powerful declaration, serving as the perfect mission statement for the Auckland-born artist who sings “in pursuit of a kinder world for all”. This is a record grounded in folk and soul, overflowing with gorgeous organic instrumentation and smart, extravagant dynamics that underscore Kennedy’s story of reconnecting with her culture and self.

The Space In Between refers to the album’s lyrical journey about finding who you are, and how so much of that definition is found in the grey areas rather than the black and white. It’s an album which hinges off Kennedy’s storytelling above all else. Her honeyed voice is filled with desperation on impassioned tracks like Every Time, then with romance and passion on the sultrier Through The Night. Her lyrics are plain, but she injects the delivery with such emotion that makes every song feel warm and bright.

Kennedy nods most clearly to her Pasifika roots on the bouncy reggae cut Big Feelings, where she plays an 8-string Rarotongan ukarere with strings made of fishing line. This song’s improvisational instrumental feel is incredibly satisfying. Its summery direction stands out among the pack, especially thanks to Kennedy’s smoky vocal tone contrasting against the otherwise sunny soundscape.

The groovy Relax is also a clear highlight, full of catchy, light rhythms that nod to the reggae genre’s history, but still wisely create an original take with unexpectedly winding, mystical vocal melodies. Field recordings woven throughout also proudly locate this song in Aotearoa, as the listener takes in the buzz of cicadas and rush of the ocean.

Whilst Kennedy describes her work as “grounded in roots and soul”, there are also some surprising genre twists in store. Lap steel and saccharine strings weave a distinctively country sound on I’ll Never Give Up. Gardenias makes for a moving adult contemporary ballad, with its cinematic percussive flourishes and its highly visual lyrics. The closing track Living is a heartfelt number, backed by keys, strings and a delicately plucked acoustic guitar, which reminds the listener Kennedy is a singer-songwriter at heart, and we’re listening to her be incredibly honest about her inner creative world.

In an age where digital production is king, The Space In Between wisely focuses on what’s real. The album’s live feel beautifully melds to its story of finding out who you are, when the world of technology and personal branding is stripped away, and all we have is our relationships and connection to the physical. Niki Kennedy has crafted a gorgeous debut that’s an easy listen for fans of folk, reggae, and everything in The Space In Between.