Pilioha — Hawaiian for "a family relationship" — includes cousins Glenn Mayeda Jr. (bass) and Gary "Kalehua" Krug Jr. (rhythm guitar), who have aligned with Kamuela Kimokeo (lead guitar). Each song, largely rendered in falsetto and delivered with deliberation, care and integrity, has some connection to the musicians' family, bringing a sense of sharing and celebration to the plate.

Some tunes are familiar ("Pauoa Liko Lehua," "Kaula'ili/Pu'uohulu," "Keolaokalani (Penei No)/Na Ka Makua"); some are originals by group members (Kimokeo's "Kahakuloa," Mayeda's and Krug's "Na Mamo O Puku'o"). Often, the group sounds like early Hui 'Ohana or Ledward Ka'apana (typical sample: " 'Aina Moloka'i") during any moment of his career, with the nahenahe falsetto. There's a lovely instrumental rendering of "Riders in the Sky," which demonstrates the trio's dexterity; the implication surely linking to the paniolo ways of kupuna. And the folks of "Kekaha," on the Garden Island, will appreciate the sweet nostalgic ki ho'alu and rich vocals.

Tiwanak's originals are simple yet eloquent impressions of the joys of life, in English ("Aloha Uhane — Ooh Honey," "Lori Baby"), in Hawaiian ("A Ke Kai") and in both languages ("Home To Me"). The catchy refrains of "Hula Love/The Tide Is High" could be the key track that captures Tiwanak's zest for life; the medley certainly has commercial appeal with its reggae-lite bounce. Perhaps a line from his liner notations sums it up best: "Welcome to the soundtrack of my life."