The encouraging note is that the members of the band write their own music, with a lite-rock, folk-oriented vibe, and indulge in a couple of covers of tunes fans likely will endorse. The originals include loveballads-with-a-beat such as "Daydream Lady," "Season Love," "Sweetest Times" and "Making Love." The remakes tap Air Supply's "All Out of Love" (with a new bounce) and Kenny Loggins' "Sometimes When We Touch" (with a sax intro and jazz flavor).

The bottom line is the smart production values — spiffy arrangements, crisp engineering, smooth vocal blends, riveting visuals on the CD cover and liners. First Verse collaborated with recording veteran Dave Tucciarone to achieve a polished and auspicious debut. One misstep: the failure to include original lyrics in the provided pamphlet.

The CD's title song is rooted in the philosophy of kanaka maoli, verbalizing the role of Hawaiian roots and culture; "Beauty Queen" addresses the loss of a loved one to crystal meth; "Hawaiian Revolution" is pegged to the milestone date when, on Aug. 5, 2005, Kamehameha Schools held a unity rally at 'Iolani Palace; "Ku'uipo" is a personal revelation of his wedding to his wife, Kalehua; "Pick Up the Pieces" also has familial roots, responding to the universal effects of divorce; "Be Alright" bares the plights of daily life, work, problems — from the vantage point of a Hawaiian.

The 15 tunes — co-penned by Mana and "Radical Rob" Onekea — are shaped by Onekea's hip, edgy and controversy-stirring style of his Sudden Rush alliance. The messages are ear- and eye-opening. Listeners would appreciate full lyrics, which are not provided with the CD.