“The trio offers inventive, playful listening; its work is gentle, gracious and from the heart. The vocal (as well as cultural) blends are not yet so identifiable that you’ll shout “Manoa DNA” on first hearing, but rest assured, the tones and themes are blessedly simple and soothing.”
-Wayne Harada, Honolulu Star-Advertiser
ManoaDNA’s second album, “No Place Like Home,” re-solidifies the group’s strong harmonies while showcasing Alex’s ever-growing composing talent. Again covering a song by Cecilio & Kapono (Lifetime Party), the group also stretches their cover-song-wings with choices like “Fire & Rain” (James Taylor) & “The Hurt” (Kalapana).
“Our musical roots come from Hawai’i,” said Nick, “and we wanted to chose songs that highlighted those roots and enhanced our story.”
Along with those classic cover songs, ManoaDNA also features two traditional Hawaiian songs, “Ka’a Ahi Kahului” (Palani Vaughan) and a mashup medley of Keali’i Reichel’s “Ka Nohona Pilikai” and the Japanese group BEGIN’s “Nada Sou Sou.” An eclectic, yet refined group of songs that is sure to please any palette.
Awards/Accolades:
-Contemporary Album of the Year Nominee (2008 Na Hoku Hanohano Awards)