Island Sounds
Love songs, soothing melodies predominate in 'Waiehu'

By Wayne Harada
Advertiser Entertainment Editor

Clearly, however, the band capitalizes on real-life experiences to turn into song. There's honesty and small references to growing up — the happy and the sad times — in much of its music.

"Shores of Waiehu," for instance, is a Keala composition about the Maui site where memories abound, from fun on sand to parties.

"Someone Loves You Honey" and "If I Was Your Man" are love songs with a pop backbeat and earnest lyrics about courtship and commitment. The former is a cover, the latter is another Keala composition.

"Just One Night," another Keala original, isn't as specific; it's a tidy and engaging love song about caring for a significant other.

One of the real gems of the set is Keala's "Honestly," a sweet love song with plaintive guitar accompaniment and vocal delivery in higher registers that bring out the tenderness and honesty. It grows on you.

Dellomes is author of "Jus Wasn't There," which has a brooding, contemplative spirit, and deals with a relationship that tested the trait of truth.

"Shores of Waiehu" by Ekolu. An audio sample is available in mp3 and RealAudio formats.