Maala Composure (Sony)

The pseudonym of Auckland singersongwriter Evan Sinton, this debut is 2010s pop to the core with its layered synths, clean production and sultry vocals. In some ways Sinton could be looked at as a male Lorde with weaker hooks. But that’s not to say they’re non-existent. Standout

Kind of Love has a brilliant darker 80s vibe. This shows a key strength of Maala – as a pop artist the fact he doesn’t feel the need to be consistently upbeat says a lot for his songwriting. Sinton is essentially retail music – accessible, innocuous and catchy. But while his memorability doesn’t always add up, it’s early days at age 21. Composure suggests a big few years are awaiting him. –