Arts & Events

The debut album of Adelaide based 5-piece The MERRg features acoustic roots, rock and reggae vibes in a rambling presentation of life, loss, love and politics.

Ladies and gentlemen, the next wave of Indigenous Roots music has arrived. '...introducing the MERRg' is the debut album of Adelaide based 5 piece, The MERRg. Featuring acoustic roots, rock and reggae vibes, '...introducing' is a rambling presentation of life, loss, love and politics. Hailing from Ceduna, SA, the band members are Michael Colbung, Robert Champion, Russel Pinki and Dwayne Lawrie and are joined by their Torres Strait brother, Eddie Peters.

The MERRg are a talented and confident group who continue the special musical legacy from Ceduna on the far west coast of SA. This region has produced two of our greatest artists of all time, Bart Willoughby of 'No Fixed Address and Bunna Lawry from 'Coloured Stone' both pioneers of the indigenous contemporary music movement. The MERRg remain true to their musical roots and the album reverberates with the familiar sounds of the old with added new age reflection.

The first track, 'Streets of Gold', expresses a yearning for both physical and emotional freedom and strikes a chord reminiscent of the No Fixed Address classic 'From My Eyes'. The title track from a previously released EP it was also the song that hooked independent label Hardrush Records, who then pursued the band oblivious to their indigenous heritage.

'...introducing' displays these musicians capacity for making music with song writing contributions from Champion, Colbung and Peters. All take part in a merry-go-round of vocals and instruments that at times is difficult to follow. This 'musical chairs' is a common practice amongst many Aboriginal bands and is a process that may give equality but in this case brings inconsistency. Co-producers Colbung and Rob Transini layer various musical elements and succeed in what they set out to do - introduce the music of the MERRg to the world.

The album covers a lot of territory from thoughtful songs about love in 'Favourite Cup of Coffee' and 'She Waits for Me', to cranking rock numbers, 'Years Have Come', 'Where Are You Now?' and 'Anangu Medley'. Peters pays homage to the Torres Strait in two very diverse tracks, the guitar laden 'TI (My Island Home)' and the more reggae fused 'Tamilla'. The acoustic ballads, 'No There Weren't' and 'Listen to a Story' have a political edge with the latter calling for unity despite our colonised history.

This independent release, funded by SA Arts and taking 18months to produce, contains 13 original tracks plus 2 bonus tracks courtesy of CAAMA Music. It's a fantastic debut effort from a talented group of muso's who I believe will continue to make valuable contributions to the contemporary indigenous music catalogue for years to come. Ladies and Gentlemen, give them a round of applause. '...introducing the MERRg' is available at a record store near you.