Gone are the by-the-numbers party reggae of Don't Forget Your Roots and a clutch of underdeveloped synth-heavy singles; in their place is an approach more grounded in smooth, fluid soul.
The group's sophomore effort took a while, but arrives with a confidence that hints of Polynesian singalongs, Motown nostalgia and James Brown slink.
None of this would work, however, were it not for the velvet vocals of Matiu Walters, who even manages to combine falsetto and whistling on Special.
• Six60. Self-titled. Universal.
• Four stars (out of five)
Single download: Stay Together
For those who like: Che Fu, Bruno Mars
- Shane Gilchrist
