Xavier Rudd - “Koonyum Sun”
May 14th 2010 22:44
Sometimes I find it hard to describe Xavier Rudd’s sound. Especially in the traditional sense of music genres. The best way i can put it is as spiritual, organic, bordering on tribal. On this album he expands it further to world music flavor with the inclusion of his new band, South African musicians Izintaba.
Musically, the album is very positive and uplifting. The African rhythms mix well with Xavier’s guitar work and uses of Aboriginal instrumentation. Although this album sees him really simplify his guitar work and turn the songs into a easier structure especially for live performance.
Lyrically, the albums still focus on the environment , the culture of traditional ancestors and Mother Earth. He does touch on his recent heartache and it’s hard to not feel his heavy heart with lines like ‘no other pain like losing a soul mate” and “when she came I was not ready/was not ready when she left.” Despite this pain, he still shows hope and positiveness through his two boys, referencing them quite often. Eldest son Joaquin even lends his vocal to the title track.
Koonyum Sun is the most easily digested album from Xavier Rudd. He has always been capable of writing some amazing songs, but I tend to find a whole album can be lost and easily put away after a few listens. So far, I am still loving this record, weeks after it’s release. Sometimes the best albums come out of heartache and this can be another example but its more than a break up album. It’s an album of how to turn a bad situation into a positive energy and how to move on. It’s more an album of inspiration and for me an early contender for album of the year.
Musically, the album is very positive and uplifting. The African rhythms mix well with Xavier’s guitar work and uses of Aboriginal instrumentation. Although this album sees him really simplify his guitar work and turn the songs into a easier structure especially for live performance.
Lyrically, the albums still focus on the environment , the culture of traditional ancestors and Mother Earth. He does touch on his recent heartache and it’s hard to not feel his heavy heart with lines like ‘no other pain like losing a soul mate” and “when she came I was not ready/was not ready when she left.” Despite this pain, he still shows hope and positiveness through his two boys, referencing them quite often. Eldest son Joaquin even lends his vocal to the title track.
Koonyum Sun is the most easily digested album from Xavier Rudd. He has always been capable of writing some amazing songs, but I tend to find a whole album can be lost and easily put away after a few listens. So far, I am still loving this record, weeks after it’s release. Sometimes the best albums come out of heartache and this can be another example but its more than a break up album. It’s an album of how to turn a bad situation into a positive energy and how to move on. It’s more an album of inspiration and for me an early contender for album of the year.
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