The band's seven-date South Island tour will promote its new single Time Walking. The track was recorded by the trio at its new studio in the Akatarawa Ranges, near Wellington, and mastered by Lee Prebble.
The band's self-titled debut album was released last year and reached No 4 in the charts. Its new songs will be played on tour, a prelude to its untitled follow-up for release next year.
Hikoikoi frontman Paul Wickham said the band had revitalised its sound by blending contemporary reggae roots flavours with progressive rock intensity.
Time Walking commentedon love and friendship and paying tribute to the travelsof life and the treasures it brings, Wickham said.
"Time Walking is all about the importance of commitment and remaining loyal to the ones you love."
Highlights for Hikoikoi this year included opening for the Original Wailers and performing at Australia's largest world music festival, The Dreaming.
The band will return to Australia in December to play at the Byron Bay reggae festival and will also be opening in New Zealand for American group Groundation in November.
• Hikoikoi, Dux de Lux, Saturday, September 25, 9pm. Free entry.
- james.beech@queenstowntimes.co.nz