East Journey :: Guwak
Written by Mikey on May 25, 2014
Album review by Angela Madden
It can be easy to overlook talent when it is found so close to home. In this instance, in the form of local band done good East Journey, and located just fifteen minutes away in Yirrkala. East Journeyare a group likely known to most locals, and indeed non-locals, as their debut release Guwak has brought success and exposure on a national stage.
At a time when East Journey are working on a new single to be released in May, entitled “Bright lights, Big city” , I thought it was worth revisiting, and reflecting on, the precursor to this upcoming release. In particular, as to where the album Guwak has taken the boys so far.
Guwak is a comprehensive first album, incorporating the sounds of family, landscapes and home. The inspiration of Yothu Yindi is acknowledged and evident within this recording.
A number of songs from Guwak, namely Ngarrpiya, Emu, Gumik and Song of Arnhem Land, were all nominated for Independent Music Awards in 2013. East Journey were finalists in the Band of The Year category in The Deadly Awards last year, and indeed performed as part of that awards ceremony at The Sydney Opera House. Other notable performances for the group have included Womadelaide, Garma and The National Indigenous Music Awards.
Certainly an impressive ride for the boys so far, and I’m sure the journey is set to continue.
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