AKoVA: This Is Me Now

Gold Coast troubadour AKoVA follows his 2014’s Earth Recruit with a fresh release of 10 life-affirming tracks. This Is Me Now delivers a taste of his earlier work amongst some new vibes in a variety of voices. His signature vocal style is reminiscent of ’70s star Donovan, an early influence introduced by his dad. That’s what you hear on tracks including sparse, slow-burner ‘Free As A Bird’ and ‘Feelin’ It’.
The title track is a layered six minutes with staccato Spanish guitar, an eastern flavoured orchestral break and a typically AKoVA message of mindfulness – to ‘just be’, slow down and don’t sweat the small stuff. In contrast, ‘You Can Have Anything’ is a rocking celebration with a hearty chorus singing along. The ‘Peace In My Backpack’ is retro-trippy, bluesy and infectious with a nice infusion of soulful keys.
This one-man-band continues his mission to spread peace and optimism with acoustic rhythms and melodies and a generous serve of ‘get happy’.
Independent
Reviewed by Chris Lambie