Getmusic

It’s hard to articulate exactly what it is about Xavier Rudd’s music that draws so many people to it, but whatever it is for you, this album is quintessentially Xavier and you’ll be chilling out in no time to Mr Rudd and his pensive tunes.

The album possibly a tad long as some of the tracks start blending into each other, but it’s got a perfect weekend vibe and will indeed see Rudd’s long history on the world festival circuit continue. He’s not a festival favourite for no reason and reggae tinged tracks such as ‘Fresh Green Freedom’ will ensure the crowds are grooving and ticket sales are up.

There is a great cohesion between the newly established trio, bassist Tio Moloantoa and percussionist Andile Nqubezelo lay down a subtle but solid bed of beats to carry Rudd’s melodies and no doubt will produce a wonderful element to the live gigs.

Overall nothing stands out as ‘the best song’ although I would lean towards the upbeat tracks as highlights. The Middle Eastern flavoured, ‘Soften the Blow’ is hauntingly beautiful with the sitar creating an almost soundtrack feel. It is a consistent album which stays true to the genre and style Rudd has carved out for himself. Nothing more and nothing less just a great strong album.

For an artist who I have never bought before, I can truly say its very soothing, relaxing and inspiring! The songs on the albums are both influential and the messages are portrayed in the most diverse ways.

To me, the music is a mixture of somewhat tribal, sun dance, somber, calming and relaxing way. Its an album that I could play at the beach, while sunbathing in the sun, unwind too after a hard days work, or during massages, facials, pedicures or spa retreats.

Its just peaceful, takes you to a place you want to go and sometimes loose your way. This record will gladly ease your way there. Its so peaceful and comforting in a weird kind of way!! Its also refreshing and brings a new outlook to life.

I probably would not have looked at buying this record in the past, now a different story, it has grown on me fast. Its like a new haircut, it eventually grows on you. This album has certainly grown on me! Look forward to playing it again.

This album reminds me of warmer weather and fun times through Europe on the beaches or where you feel the sun biting at your skin….makes me want to hear more of Xavier Rudd’s music!!

I like it!!

I am a big fan of positive music and ‘Koonyum Sum’ is another fabulous album by super inspiring Aussie artist, Xavier Rudd! I am sure it will delight fans and gain new ones, particularly socially and environmentally conscious peeps due to the powerful messages in his lyrics along with the range of sounds from all sorts of instruments including the didgeridoo (who else does that and pulls it off so successfully?) It’s hard to classify his genre and my previous Xavier Rudd albums come up in my Itunes as pop, rock, alternative… I am sure he is happy to not be classified, Xavier truly has world music covered, crossing numerous genres, and this album takes you on a fabulous journey. I cant even pick a favourite track yet, it’s an album I have really enjoyed listening to and I look forward to listening to it many times as I think it will just grow on me more and more with so much depth in the sounds and stories in the lyrics. Its raw, real and really awesome - clever work and much respect Xavier!