Bilambiyal (The Learning)

It’s been a decade since Radical Son (aka David Leha) burst onto the Australian scene with his brilliant 2014 album Cause ’N Affect. But it’s been worth the wait for this next collection of his songs. With a Kamilaroi Aboriginal mother and Tongan father, the Sydney-based songman’s ability to write deeply personal, moving lyrics is undiminished, and his ever-impressive voice remains both powerful and full of soul. Three impactful singles lead the way – ‘Elder’ (‘I wish to be an elder, an old man on this land’); ‘Until You Call My Name’; and the highly spirited ‘Yuluwirri Wandabaa (The Rainbow Dreaming)’, which features impeccable backing vocals from Indigenous veterans Emma Donovan and Frank Yamma. Elsewhere there’s the lightly-reggae ‘Only One Life’ and the emotional title-track. Having been through challenging times, Radical Son speaks of hardship, change, love, cultural wisdom and ultimate survival. And this heartfelt Balimabiyal provides some strong lessons.