EP Review: Home Is Where The Heart Is

Ex rugby player turned singer-songwriter Sam Heselwood has recently released his 5 track EP Home Is Where The Heart Is. Originally from Christchurch, the indie-pop musician has delivered poignant, beautifully composed music which aims straight for the heart.

A severe spinal injury playing may have stopped him from playing rugby, but the musician who released his first EP in 2022 is forging his way ahead keeping music as his main focus. The rugby player turned songwriter has accumulated millions of streams to date, continuing to be added to featured playlists.

Heselwood’s vocal range is soft pop with an edge. There is a slight rawness which accentuates the emotion in his songs.

Home Is Where The Heart Is follows on from his chart successes of his number 1 NZ single Home and follow-up track How’s Heaven. He appears to be flourishing, not only receiving support from mainstream radio such as ZM and The Edge but also continued back-to-back single funding and support from NZ On Air.

All tracks bar one on the EP are inspired in some way by his partner. How’s Heaven started as a letter to his grandfather encapsulating a bounty of happy memories and emotions.

In an EP of beautiful songs, it was hard to have a standout. I could hear why Home went to number 1 on the Hot NZ Singles Chart as the first track on Home Is Where The Heart Is, you can immediately hear the expressive, strong singing and clean mixing of instrumentals indicating a skillful streamlined offering. Previously described as a relatable love song this is a catchy introduction to the music of Sam Heselwood if you have not heard it before.

The stirring melodies in Give Her Your Heart beautifully complement the story behind the song. There is a multifaceted approach to his music, combining delicate acoustic guitar with mellow, tender vocals tinged with a slight grittiness. The combination is appealing.

This is an EP of 5 superbly constructed tracks. Even though Sam has now freshly landed in the UK, keep an ear out for this talented musician’s impressive body of work.