Reviewed by Ian Phillips.
By Xavier Rudd, Warner Music Australia 2018.
Storm Boy is Xavier Rudd’s ninth studio album and it’s been six years since his last solo release.
A lot has happened in that time and once again these experiences have become the subject matter of his songs.
For Xavier Rudd, writing music and living are one and the same thing. “I’m literally just singing about the things that are going on around me.” He says.
His environmental work, activism, spirituality, surfing, family etc. are poured into his songs.
The result is an individualisd, and personal, sound that manages to contain universalities that we can all relate to.
We may not all be vegans, surfers, or greatly into spirituality but we admire him for his honesty and integrity.
He comes across as open and honest and we respond positively to that.
One of the notable differences on this album is that he’s fallen in love and this comes across as a recurring theme throughout the record.
He is also more secure in his spirituality.
He says “life feels strong and solid for me now… and this record is in a different space. It’s a solid space. I feel like I’ve come to the end of that chapter where I’ve learned a bunch of lessons and I’ve been shown a bunch of things spiritually.”
I’ve always enjoyed the way Xavier puts his songs together.
His organic approach to life in general is reflected in his music.
There’s a disarming purity and simplicity to it.
For the most part he eschews effects and other temptations of the studio in favour of beautifully crafted melodies and understated musical accompaniment.
This approach places the emphasis on the lyrics because he has given them the space they need to come to the fore.
To coincide with the release of the album, Xavier will be embarking on a national tour throughout the month of August.
If you haven’t seen him it’s well worth taking the time to do so. He is a consummate performer.
