The Warumpi Band's sophomore CD
Go Bush is an edgy blend of hard rock, new wave, and country-rock. The album tends to provoke a whirlwind of emotions with its inspiring political anthems and hard-driving protest songs. The intense opener "No Fear," a song about hometown violence, sets the tone for the album that despite its upbeat feel has rather dark undertones. Some songs try to hide their anger with a catchy melody, "From the Bush," however, is a bombastic assault against contemporary Australia. While the edgy tracks are certainly memorable, equally impressive is "My Island Home," the band's most well-known tune. The song, which was covered by
Christine Anu in 1995, is a true rock anthem, praising Aboriginal life. Beyond these tracks the album features a solid mix of styles with the country themed "My Countryside" to the instrumental "Didjeridoo Blue." With its musical diversity and bold statements
Go Bush is easily one of the best Aboriginal rock albums to come out of the '80s. ~ Curtis Zimmermann