Australian multi-instrumentalist Xavier Rudd has been making uplifting, healing music for about 18 years now, and his latest effort, Storm Boy, continues his trend of magnetic, earth-centric songs about the power of knowing oneself, connectivity, and growth.
In terms of the music itself, it’s right in line with much of Rudd’s material; soaring, shaman-esque vocals echo out over cannon-fire drums, infectious guitar, and uplifting yet bittersweet melodies. Songs like “Fly Me High” and closing track “Times Like These” features soft harmonica, delicate acoustic guitar, and Rudd’s trademark aching voice, while the more upbeat songs like the title track and “Honeymoon Bay” feature dancing banjo, flittering guitar, and inescapable singalong vocals.
These heartfelt, optimistic songs are interspersed with hard-hitting space reggae, with tracks like “Keep It Simple” and “Feet on the Ground”, showcasing a juicier side of Rudd’s musical personality, with a heavy wah effect and tribal rhythms complemented by squishy organs and fuzzed-out guitar. There is also the exhilarating “Gather the Hands”, an anthemic tribute to love and healing.
The music of Xavier Rudd has always produced a peculiar effect; it sounds simultaneously like every beach sunset ever combined with the feeling of floating above the clouds, with just a dash of mountains and forests and deserts thrown in. His music has always had a strong focus on the earth and our relationship to it, and Storm Boy is no exception; he’s got a message to get out, and he’s going to sing it to as many people as he can.
Another thing that always stands out about Xavier Rudd is his earnest lyrics and unabashed hopefulness. Even if the music itself follows a bit of a formula, it’s not a bad one and it makes you want to give up your office job and go live on the beach or take a long, peaceful walk through a forest (and maybe never come back).
As one of Rudd’s more delicate and restrained records, Storm Boy is nevertheless a great listen. Perfect for sunny days with nothing to do, preferably if you can make it out in nature. Very pensive, with a lot of peaceful and empowering things to say, packaged in a soothing, balmy breeze of an album. Give it a listen and let it lift you up.
