Keanu Nelson – Wilurarrakutu

Produced by Yuta Matsumura (Th Blisks), Wilurarrakutu is the stunning debut album from by Keanu Nelson, an indigenous musician from the remote community of Papunya. At times recalling Francis Bebey’s meditative synth-beat labyrinths, at others (“Warumpinya) as if Nelson’s singing over an early Suicide instrumental, and still others like he’s Timmy Thomas from another planet, Nelson envelops his rich, textured tenor with enough reverb to create a lingering drone. Although these aren’t musically complicated songs — many move through a few simple, repetitive chords without much variation — Nelson’s dynamic, textured voice effortlessly eases across and through bars with memorable melodic grace. “Keanu started singing at the age of seven at the community gospel nights. On any given night in Papaya, desert gospel is sung, loudly through dodgy speakers, late into the night. It is a distinctively Anagu sound-of keyboard presets and the gospel sung in language by children and elderly alike.” The original Altered States Tapes vinyl quickly sold out, was then pressed by Mississippi Records in 2024, and will soon receive another repress treatment via Melbourne’s Efficient Space!

Recommended – Full Listen