EP Review: Hiria

Beautifully produced, Rebel Reid’s acoustic EP Hiria feels laid back, gorgeous, and expansive, filling ears with rich backing vocals and lush guitar. Known as a member of the band Valkyrie, Rebel Reid released her debut EP on the 14th of July, aligning with Matariki, in memory of her beloved mum. The three songs are gorgeous Waiata, with Te Reo Maori blending beautifully into smokey blues influences.

The opening song, Leia, feels very expansive in its emotion and it sets up the EP well for the journey we are about to go on. The guitar solo fits into the song so naturally, while allowing us to really soak in the feeling.

Cry Cry Cry shows off the blues and jazz influences on this EP. The backing vocals support the main melody in a way where you can imagine a lounge singer in a bar, backed by a small ensemble, and three backing vocalists.

The lead single and final song on Hiria is Dancing In The Stars. This song features no backing vocals, with just a focus on Rebel’s voice and guitar. The melody in the verses is a sweet interpolation of La Vie En Rose, and the lush reverb on the vocals makes it seem as though Rebel is singing throughout into the depths of space, her voice expanding over the universe.

The second verse and chorus on Dancing In The Stars is in Te Reo, creating a heartbreaking Waiata to her mother, who is now dancing in the stars. She ends the song, and the EP, with a very sweet and heart-wrenching “Goodnight Mum.” Overall, this particular piece is a beautiful tribute to those lost too soon, taking you on a journey through all-consuming love, and grief.