Issue 508

Saltwater Band Malk Skinny Fish Music You may have heard of the Saltwater Band before. They were nominated for an ARIA, have won numerous Indigenous Music Awards, and have secured not one, but two Deadlys. Then again, you possibly haven't. If the latter applies to you, it's about time you familiarised yourself with these guys. To put it simply, they are eight musicians hailing from Galiwink'ku (Elcho Island), which is located over 500km from Darwin. With this in mind, it's no surprise their music represents a wonderful sequence of islander/reggae/pop that is immaculately crafted. Featuring infamous Aboriginal singer-songwriter Gurrumul Yunupingu (formerly of Yothu Yindi, and also boasting a successful solo career in his own right) Saltwater band create a sound that will completely draw you in. Their latest release of a fifteen year career is 'Malk'; a stunning festivity of colour, life and energy that is nothing short of exhilarating. Blending sweet harmonies with gentle reggae, it almost seems too diverse all at once, with its blend of traditional and contemporary influence. But make no mistake, this is a sound that not only works, but works extremely well. Stand out tracks include Baywara, and the upbeat Yolgnu Island Dancer, which is a delightful fusion of reggae and didgeridoo. It's like the Caribbean found it's way into Darwin, and the party hasn't stopped since. Title track Malk is a stand out, and succeeds in outlining just what Saltwater Band are all about. With Natalia Pa'Apa'a from Blue King Brown lending some pretty solid vocals, this is an encompassing tale of heritage, of culture, and a sensation of pride that goes hand-in-hand with the two. Overall, this is such a great accomplishment from some truly remarkable musicians, and I'd love to catch one of their shows real soon. Gemma Opie