duggup

I met Russell at Reconciliation Victoria as he helped to coordinate celebrations for the 40th anniversary of the 1967 referendum. We got to chatting about music and I discovered that he was in a band (for nearly ten years). One thing led to another and after nearly a year I am finally doing a review… in my defence I thought I already had.

The songs are mostly on the themes of social justice, Indigenous pride, stories and imagery from their cultural experience. Here is the hype from the site…

Brolga Boys are an Indigenous band founded in 1996 by original members Russell Smith (Pitjantjatjarra) and Ben James (Yorta Yorta). The band’s other members include Dave Mudie on drums, (Goofang/Brolga Boys), Adam Redfern lead guitar (Goofang/Brolga Boys) and Matty Vehl on Hammond Organ and keyboards (Charles Jenkins / Ice Cream Hands/Brolga Boys). Over 10 years the band has been going about their business. Gigging around their hometown of Melbourne (Rob Roy Hotel, Evelyn Hotel, Esplanade Hotel, and Prince of Wales Hotel) with tours and festivals both at home and interstate, they highlight supporting their Indigenous heroes – Warumpi Band at The Dreaming Festival 2006 as a personal milestone. They have also played the Nan Girra Festival, Social Justice Festival, Pushover, St Kilda Festival, and Earthcore.

The music is has a strong roots rock feel, you can hear the influences the Warumpi Band and No Fixed Address to my ear. Have a listen to “Goddesses Of The Sun” over at MySpace. It’s my favourite. I just love the guitar wailing away and having such a great time. Yummy.

Passionate, principled and Recommended

Brolga Boys Website: http://www.myspace.com/brolgaboys

Disclaimer: It should be noted that I do tech support for Reconciliation Victoria.