Ŋurru Wäŋa

Originally developed during an Australian Art Orchestra residency in remote Tasmania, the Hand To Earth ensemble creatively established itself in 2021 with their glorious self-titled debut album, followed up in 2023 by the equally impressive Mokuy. Founded by trumpeter-producer and ex-AAO musical director Peter Knight, the progressive multicultural quintet also features Indigenous Arnhem Land songman Daniel Wilfred, his yidaki (didgeridoo)-playing brother David, contemporary South Korean vocalist Sunny Kim and Australian woodwind virtuoso Aviva Endean. As the evolution of this unique collaboration continues, their third album is perhaps more ambient-electronic in nature, but no less grounded in the timeless Aboriginal manikay (songs) of the group's Yolngu members. Based on the ancient songline of Djuwalpada – a central figure in the Wägilak dreaming, who walked the land, singing it and all living things into existence – the sense of primordial place is palpable. On tracks like ‘The Crow (wäk wäk)’ and the two-part ‘Ŋurru Wäŋa’ (pronounced Wooroo Wanga – translated as ‘the scent of home’), both traditional and experimental vocals blend seamlessly alongside birdcalls, yidaki, bilma (clap sticks), minimalist instrumentation and ethereal electronics. Simply sublime.