Niceness - Realize (Self-published)

The band's name is an Americanization of the Jamaican patois term "irie". Niceness boasts members with diverse backgrounds, including an organic farmer, a life coach, a permaculture specialist, a Buddhist bodybuilder, a music teacher, a tree trimmer and a doctor of psychology, so it should come as no surprise that the band's repertoire mainly focuses on personal, socio-political and ecological issues. With John White (alto sax) and Danny D'Alessandro (tenor sax) the band can count on an excellent horn section, but it's the jazzy voice of front woman and songwriter Koral Delatierra that really gives Niceness' music, in which reggae sometimes flows over into ska (title track 'Realize', 'Build No Walls'), soul, funk, Latin jazz (the Spanish-language 'La Hora') or hip-hop, its distinctive sound.

Asked about the title of this new album, Koral replied: "This album is dedicated to all our brothers and sisters, past, present, and future, who show us that a just and sustainable world is possible. May we continue to strive to leave our children a more peaceful, healthy, and prosperous world. We chose the album title because we understand that to realize is to understand clearly. There is so much at stake in the world that needs our profound realization. The songs on this album are our meditations on niceness. They are straightforward lyrics and grooves to serve as clear reminders to realize what is most important. We feel blessed to have this opportunity to share these songs and we hope they will be as transformative for others as they have been for us!".

Definitely worth highlighting are songs like 'Small Things', which starts off as an eco-anthem but actually intended to point out that big changes always start with small things (making it a perfect campaign anthem for climate activist Greta Thunberg), the anti-Trump statement 'Build No Walls' or the autobiographical (? ) 'Story Of A Girl', in which Kora Delatierra sings about a girl in search of herself and the hurdles she has to take. But it's the hopeful heartwarming lyrics of opener 'Better Than You Know' that truly resonated with us; a song that will likely touch everyone during these challenging times:

Something changed, you're acting different
What a shame, why you so distant
You used to be so full of life

When did you let their words destroy you
Let their judgements all define you
Keep you down when you're meant to rise

I know you got your heart torn open
Questioning the strength you got inside
If only you could see how brightly you shine

You're doing better than you know
There's so much light inside your soul
You might feel broken, don't lose hope
Don't be so hard on yourself
At times we all need some help
You're doing better than you know

You're doing better than you know
Better than you know
Better than you know

I know you've been feeling low
Don't gotta face this on your own
I am here by your side, I ain't leaving you alone
There'll always be a brighter day
I know that you will be ok
You've got the strength and you will find your way

I know you got your heart torn open
Questioning the strength you got inside
If only you could see how brightly you shine

You're doing better than you know
There's so much light inside your soul
You might feel broken, don't lose hope
Don't be so hard on yourself
At times we all need some help
You're doing better than you know

Cuz you've got so much to do
You can't let them ruin you
It's easy to give up, but just keep fighting
It gets better I promise you
I've been there and I got through
And looking back I'm thankful for it all

You're doing better than you know
There's so much light inside your soul
You might feel broken, don't lose hope
Don't be so hard on yourself
At times we all need some help
You're doing better than you know 

Verdict: pure niceness!