Amunda takes on the `civilised' world

Civilised World
Amunda
Central Australian Aboriginal Media Association through Larrikin
Available on CD and cassette
Reviewed by Mara Ochoa

Amunda, an Aboriginal rock band formed in Alice Springs in 1985, currently has a six-piece line-up who have been able to incorporate a range of sounds into their music. In Civilised World, each track is influenced by a distinctive style of music. “Sam in B Minor” is definitely jazz oriented, and throughout the album you can also hear reggae, country and rock influences.

All songs contain an Aboriginal perspective. The band put what they feel and see into their music as a way of commenting on society. Amunda is antiwar and very concerned about the environmental destruction that has occurred in Australia since the white invasion. Other issues raised include suicide, drugs, homelessness and AIDS. The title track, “Civilised World”, is about a sailor who has been sent to fight a war he can't see any reason for.

Listening to the songs, you can feel the strong sense of ties the Aboriginal people have with the land.

“Roll on the Wind” expresses these feelings: “Well, I know I love this land / That I see surrounds me / The hot winds that blow / The story's been told of the Dreamtime / Stay a while, stay forever / Got to survive, live together / Sometimes I feel this land that I see ain't surviving.”

Civilised World is a great album. Amunda will be touring NSW during July and August.

This article was posted on the Green Left Weekly Home Page.
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