Because they write most of their music, Makainai and Melket have the goods that suit their style, personalizing their sentiments. Tracks like "Captivated" separate them from the others, specifically defining their arena of love songs drenched in blues and soul. And when they rely on others to provide a tune, like Ben and Josie Vegas' "I Love You," the veil of romance still seems custom-made.

Most of the originals revolve around the many facets of romance ("Prove I Love You," "All You Need," "The One I Keep," "Changing"). The mode shifts from warm ballad to dance-inspiring reggae tempo; and the gals sashay from solo voice to harmonies with confidence and ease.

"AHUMANU — THE GATHERING " BY AHUMANU; ULULOA PRODUCTIONS

Now its sound is reaching statewide ears with a CD that captures the trio's warmth and easy-going style. A pair of Maui-related tunes, "Kahului" and "Sweet Lahaina Nights," reflect the aloha spirit with ease; a "Wedding Medley" pairs "Kawohikukapulani" with "If I Give My Heart to You," surely a lasting memory when performed live for a wedding couple.

The group reaches out, too, with a Samoan ditty, "Tofa My Feleni," and to, ahem, Elvis, with a reading of his "Crying in the Chapel" with a splendid '50s-'60s flavor and a hint of doo-wop. The entire CD says aloha — and much more.

"ELINA" BY ELINA; ATTIC RECORDS

Her debut CD is an impressive and auspicious one, loaded with originals she wrote, some in collaboration with her husband, Tyrone Wells. There's soul and sincerity in her vocals — check out "Breathless," "Speak to My Heart," "Constantly" and "My Friend" — and Elina has matured with grace and precision. One track, "Dream Like New York," is in the soundtrack of an animated film, "Everyone's Hero," so she's en route to something big. Trivia: She is the sister of Kevin Chang of Kupa'aina, so music's very much a part of the family.

Reach Wayne Harada at wharada@honoluluadvertiser.com.