Gurrumul Live - Subba Cultcha Review

"Telling stories of his native Yolngu people and his culture; Geoffrey Gurrumul Yunupingu sings in such a manner that is captivatingly haunting yet warmly arousing. A small shy figure on stage, he refuses to talk to the crowd, leaving all the talking to his friend and translator Michael Hohnen; but in spite of this, his performance was no less endearing. From the very first note you're left mesmerised. Whatever your conceptions of such music, he creates blissfully subtle acoustic melodies, which are made all the better by his other worldly voice. It’s an awe inspiring listen that’s full of emotion and deeply insightful.

Keeping the crowd’s attention for the entirety, it didn’t matter that no one understood what he was saying because you could feel the emotion and sincerity running through his soulful and enchanting voice. Educating as well as entertaining, he was accompanied by a stringed quartet, double bassist and a guitarist; it’s simple yet highly charged music that penetrates to your heart. Made all the better by the awesome visuals of his family and homeland, particular mention had to go to his ode to his father ‘Bapa’, my personal favourite 'Wiyathhul’, which was just as beautiful live and a reggae version of Marwurrumburr.

A true hidden treasure, he certainly wasn't lost on the shepherds bush crowd; he’s a true talent that needs to be heard."

See the review on Subba Cultcha here