Plimmerton-based Niels Gedge assembled a bevy of conspirators to help bring his second album to fruition. Built on the folky sound of his finger-picked guitar and unassuming vocals, with the addition of numerous guest stars including such luminaries as Kevin Clark on trumpet, Anje Glindeman on drums and Robbie Duncan on Kay guitar (proving he can multi-task, as he also recorded the whole shebang at Braeburn Studios). Gedge’s voice is mostly as gentle as the caress of his fingers on the guitar strings, a laid-back vibe being the name of the game. “Cruising down the highway out of Wellington,” he sings, and I can imagine this album being a good companion to a cruisy road trip, even on a rainy day.

I described his last release as contemplative, the touch feather-light. I think you could say the same of these 10 songs, though in places, such as So Many People, the addition of sousaphone, clarinet and percussion lifts the energy level to a jaunty acoustic romp. And Gedge’s humour shines through on tracks like At Least Until Eternity. Overall, it’s a very enjoyable cruisy wander around Te Ika a Maui for those in a mellow mood.