MAIL MALI (so I read online, before listening to their self-titled and debut EP), are an Auckland-based quintet that has garnered comparisons to the nasal, introspective piano-rock of David Gray and Keane. Ordinarily, this comparison would be enough to steer me decisively in the opposite direction; but duty called, and I gave their release a spin. And whaddyaknow: serve me up some humble pie, because I was pleasantly surprised. Yes, there is an undeniable likeness between Mali Mali and those artists’ soft-rock stylings, but I enjoyed their EP far more than Gray’s 'White Ladders' – in that I made it through six tracks without feeling an irrepressible and abnormal desire to listen to Slayer.

It opens with ‘This Many Years’, a fluid and piano-driven ballad that has a brooding, contemplative feel. This sees vocalist Ben Tolich at his most David Gray-esque; although at some moments, his wistful quaver brings to mind the work of The Manic Street Preachers and Gomez. Second track ‘One Man Chase’ is much more upbeat, with thundering piano chords and a rock-y chorus.

The band seems to have been a little ambitious in the way of lyrics, which often come across rather cumbersome: the hook in ‘Colours You’ve Never Seen’ is the phrase “because honest with you/is something I’ve never been”, which is awkward to read, let alone sing. It’s moments like these that assert that although Mali Mali have plenty of potential, they seem to be still in the process of harnessing it fully.

‘Saint James’ and ‘Cisco’ follow in the slow and thoughtful vein of the opening track. ‘Saint James’, with its meandering structure and ethereal synths, drags a little. ‘Cisco’ is more memorable, although its lyrics take a rather perplexing turn for the preachy towards the end (“Please Lord, forgive me for my ignorance”).

Final track ‘For Now’ is the EP’s most guitar-centric number, and is also slow and pensive. Certainly, Mali Mali have found their sound, and they’re sticking to it: there’s not a lot of divergence in genre or instrumentation between tracks, but this makes for a cohesive-sounding release. The title and inconclusive final chord of ‘For Now’ suggests that the band are content to leave us with these six tracks “for now”, but that we can expect more of them in the future, and I’m looking forward to hearing it.

On the merits of this EP though, it’s clear that they are a promising act that warrants more exposure outside their native Auckland. It’s available to buy for $12 from the band’s Myspace page and for that price, I’d recommend it. It’s especially mature and thoughtful for a debut, and its melancholy and reflective style is a refreshing change from much of the New Zealand music scene. Mali Mali only needs more opportunities to explore their potential for their future releases to be even more accomplished.