Like a Whitman's Sampler box of sweets, there's joy in discovering what suits your palate; there's a diverse range of material for all ages and tastes. Rockaballad? Kamuela's "Star in the Skylight" radiates with lyrical and melodic grace, with boy-band simplicity but plenty of appeal, contagious musical hooks and lingering good cheer. For my money, this is the best of the lot and methinks Nick Lachey would die to get this one to his stable.

The title song, also Kamuela's, is hip, hot and happening — already giving the group some online presence. Ikaika's "Don't Know Why" has across-the-board potential, too, and "Shake Your Branch" has dance-floor potential for those who wanna groove (plus a suggestive spoken prologue).

For more contemporary flavors, go to "Lenny and The SKIM," a wild but smooth rocker that will make the kids crazy with delight; for a sliver of acid rock, examine "TRO." The more you explore, the more you'll discover — and enjoy. In short: hard to believe the same folks are doing all the divergent sounds.

"Eia Mai Ka La" by Ried Kapo Ku; The Mountain Apple Co.

On one hand, he is experimental and exploratory, performing tunes outside the Hawaiian realm, and does them well. The title song is a bilingual rendering, in Hawaiian and English, of George Harrison's "Here Comes the Sun." There's similar treatment on "In My Room," The Beach Boys' harmonic classic; and "Ue O Muite," the Japanese ditty promoted as "Sukiyaki" that hurled Kyu Sakamoto into the global mainstream in the '60s.

On the other hand, Kapo Ku's folkie taste and style are imposed on Hawaiian-English compositions including "Ka Nanala," "Pua Pi Anuhea" and " 'O Ke Kekahi Mea." A few titles, like "Ke Kau Manako" and "The Wish," in Hawaiian, fit comfortably in the landscape of local songs; there's a mix of solo voices with choral delivery. With his diverse elements and lyrics, Kapo Ku would benefit by including words/translations to his melodies.

"Back to Friends Where Summer Never Ends" by Olivia the Band; no label

"Something Greater" has the punch of rock, but words of frustration and doubt allude to a greater force. Similarly, "Feelings" probes sentiments and emotions that might be universal (sleeplessness, wonderment), punctuated with subliminal advice such as "touch the sky." "See You Never, See You Soon" even assesses a troubled relationship with a succinct "it's time for something more."

With a five-song menu, this sounds like a prelude to a larger release down the line. The CD is available only online (www.oliviatheband.com) or at the group's live shows.

Reach Wayne Harada at wharada@honoluluadvertiser.com.