Muriwai

A hypnotic blend of instrumentation and language from both Celtic and Māori traditions, Muriwai is a captivating and immersive listening experience throughout. A collaborative project between Ariana Tikao and Bob Bickerton, the word ‘muriwai’ refers to a confluence of two rivers; here represented by the meeting of two cultures. Tikao’s vocals are an instant standout: equal parts soulful and stirring (‘Huriawa’, ‘Whakamihia’), as the music navigates a Kāi Tahu creation story before moving into the present; journeying themes of environmentalism and the consequences of humans’ impact on our climate and natural surroundings. It is hard not to be completely taken by the music of Muriwai. It is haunting and ethereal (‘Ngahere’, ‘Auroko’), while being delivered with a dual sense of poignancy and urgency woven throughout. Elegiac production meets taonga pūoro (traditional Māori musical instruments) and harp, elevating the otherworldly nature of the music in striking fashion.