Since their reformation in 2010 and the comings-and-goings of different drummers, Trinity Roots have melded back into a live tour-de-force and a fully operational band.
The Wellington trio is now held down by Ben Wood on the drum stool, adding to a vast array of bands on his CV: Newtown Rocksteady, Hikoikoi Reserve, Amiria Grenell and French for Rabbits. The remainder of Trinity Roots is made-up of respected musicians and songwriters Warren Maxwell and Rio Hemopo, both of whom have been core members of the group from the outset.
As well as a new member, the band recently released their first album in 10 years - Citizen. The album builds on the trio’s fusion of rock, reggae, slow-funk and jazz, while coming packed with lyrical observations about last year’s election and the dismal voter turn out. It was recorded between Maxwell’s Featherstone Studio and Wellington's popular Surgery Studios, and features cameos from 2014 Silver Scroll winner Tami Neilson, Ria Hall, Lisa Tomlins and a substantial amount of others.
The band will celebrate the release of Citizen with a national tour this May and June. It kicks of in Dunedin on May 14 before winding its way around the country and wrapping up in Wellington on June 20.