EP Review: The Message

I had the pleasure of reviewing Reiki Ruawai’s 2024 debut EP, The Message. Hailing from the iconic left-hand break beach town of Raglan, the album cover features a frolicking Reiki leaping across the sandbars. There’s a defined and authentic sound throughout the 6 tracks, arguably a quality that we can find when we look to beloved kiwi artists – think Sir Dave Dobbyn and Anika Moa. Along with this, I feel a real charismatic and playful energy on this EP; which I suspect is a large part of Reiki’s personality shining through.

A common feature of the tracks on The Message are the driving drumbeats, a mirroring analogy for Reiki’s personality driven musicianship. The listener gets a strong sense of identity, with lyrics that give you a glimpse into Reiki’s world and influences; incorporating everything from the singer’s life in Raglan to Te Reo lyrics. All I Need is a perfect example, opening the EP with a soft and soothing summer anthem, light and dreamy vocals over a forward beat. If you’ve ever been to Raglan beach on a nice Summer’s day, you’ll know the free and easy feeling that is captured on this track. From his lyrics to guitar playing skills and layered harmonies, Reiki is a one man wonder, pushing the tracks forward into polished collaborations between singer and song. We are treated to vocal range from lushful soul, which we hear on Take it Slow, to expertly executed sing-rap on Move Along.

If I had to pick, I would say that Love No Other is my personal favourite on the album. Reiki worked with fellow Kiwi artists Muroki and producer Jacob Brown at Parachute Music Studio in Auckland to create this lead single. Featuring multi-genre nods to classic RnB, hip hop, jazz and contemporary pop. The layered keys, Sade like saxophone, sci-fi sound effects, and a L.A.B-esque chord progression in the bridge all combine to make a radio ready ear-worm sure to be a playlist regular this side of Christmas. “Can’t help that I’ve got game, been and gone, here to stay, trust me babe!” You said it, Reiki – undeniably one of Australasia’s brightest emerging stars.

You can catch the Raglan local live at The Yard Music Cafe on 25th October, 2024 for his 25th Bday Bash – P. S Happy birthday! Find tickets on bandsintown.com or via Reiki’s Spotify Page