California roots band Common Kings are in the middle of a New Zealand tour, taking in some of the smaller towns along the way.
They've been here before supporting big names like Justin Timberlake, but now they're ready to make a big name for themselves.
They have all the sound and vibe of a classic Kiwi roots reggae band, and often get mistaken as such.
"We get that sometimes," says singer JR King.
"Especially in the States and here, they all think we're Kiwi," says guitarist Taumata Grey.
The band members come from Samoa, Fiji, Tonga and Kiribati, but all met in southern California.
"We met at a barbecue at my Uncle Louie's house. He had some food, that's what gathers Polynesians. If there's food we're gonna be there. So we started jamming and ever since then we've been making music," says Grey.
They're regular visitors to our shores but now they finally have a debut album to promote - Lost in Paradise has been five years in the making.
This time they're not just playing the main centres, squeezing in shows in Whangarei and Tauranga as well.
They previously headlined the One Love festival in Tauranga, and King has fond memories.
"From what I remember, it was popping. They've got a lot of love for us. I'm excited to go back there and see how it goes."
And they've got a lot of love for Kiwi bands, listing Katchafire, Three Houses Down, House of Shem, and Fat Freddy's Drop as favourites.
Adopted home California definitely plays a part in their sound - they're big fans of SoCal legends the Red Hot Chili Peppers. Each member brings their own influence to the table, from Stevie Wonder to Gipsy Kings. But the main influence is still reggae, Bob Marley of course in particular.
"He brought it to Hawaii back in the '70s and the evolution started. Something about reggae and Polynesians works well together. It feels good."
With mainstream America getting a big taste of Polynesia with Moana, Common Kings hope their side of the Pacific embrace them as much as ours.
"I think the world's gonna catch on," says King.
"It's our time," Grey agrees.
And after finally getting over the first album hurdle, they're hoping not to take five years to make the next one.
Newshub.
