This is the debut EP from Hawkes Bay singer Tia Ward, following on from two singles which were released ahead of time, Under Wraps and Paint Dry, both of which are included here. The first thing which the listener notices are her vocals, which are both understated yet firmly to the fore. She has a very warm and inviting style which allows the listener in, with each song firmly coming from a pop background with modern production and sounds. What makes this somewhat different is that here is a musician who is a musical magpie, bringing in bits and pieces from many different genres, yet to settle, which in some ways is both good and bad. It is good in that she is undoubtedly talented, with a vocal style which can be used in many different areas, yet bad as there is a real risk that listeners may really enjoy one style and not another, so the EP is quite up and down in that respect.
There is no doubt that the highlight for me is What’s Wrong With Me? which starts off gently before turning into a rather sedate pop rock number. She allows herself to put a slight edge on her voice, and while the drums are basic, the guitars and bass are solid, and the result is a number which is a really nice summery blast. But following that is Panic On The Highway which is completely different in that it has a reggae and calypso feel and also contains a rap section. While I can appreciate the skill and songwriting which has gone into this, this is not something I would play for listening pleasure, while I would the number previous, and I am sure the reverse will be true for other listeners. After that is 80HD which is solid Eighties pop, even down to the synth drums intro and while it is very clever indeed it is again different to what has gone before and the same situation may arise.
The production is excellent throughout, and I am sure Tia is going to be a name we hear more of but having such a mix of styles means it is probably going to cut down on the audience she so obviously deserves.
Rating: 6/10
