Nēvēnek: Ground Music from Torba Province, Vanuatu

Previously known as the New Hebrides, Vanuatu is an archipelago of 82 volcanic islands, located in the Western Pacific's Coral Sea region, which also includes New Caledonia and the Solomon Islands. With a shared Anglo-French colonial history, Vanuatu gained its independence in 1980, with the country divided into six provinces. The northernmost region – Torba – is made up of the remote Torres and Banks Island groups.

This collection of 2018 recordings was gathered in the Melanesian villages of Dolag (Gaua island), Leserpla (Ureparapara island) and Totolag (Mota Lava island), with recordist Andrew Robinson, producer David Bridie and Mwerlap researcher Sandy Sur working closely with local chiefs and communities to beautifully capture the unique dung verei (sound of the islands).

Artists range from local string bands (Vanwe and Ontar Sunshine) and traditional bamboo pipes and slit-drum ensembles (Totolag Kastom Group, Black Bamboo Band, Leserpla Tam Tam Group), to a capella vocals from village elders and the percussive water-slapping rhythms of the Dolap Water Music. Their lyrics speak of everyday island concerns – the sea environment, shell money, courting, the weather, and songs of mourning and farewell. Beautifully packaged, Nēvēnek provides an authentic soundscape of daily northern Vanuatu life and culture.