Uplifting personal and social messages guide the polished modern reggae of Aotearoa New Zealand group House of Shem. Formed in the mid 2000s as a harmony trio by Carl Perkins and his sons Te Omeka and Isaiah, the act has continued on since Carl died in 2018. The brothers remain the central vocalist/producers, enlisting top instrumentalists (including standout horn players) to fill out their sound on stage and in the studio. House of Shem’s profound positivity has proven unshaken since that personal loss—as heard on 2023’s “Higher”—while the back catalog shines through with similar themes. Deep romantic devotion sits at the center of 2017’s R&B-shaded “Anything You Ask For,” while 2010’s “Tahuri Mai Ra” showcases the warm lilt of the Māori language. And though House of Shem doesn’t often delve into cover versions, the 2013 rendition of “Let It Be” adds fresh notes of optimism to a Beatles classic.