Manginburru Bininj

An Aboriginal band from the remote Arnhem Land outstation of Mama-dawerre, Wildflower are following the musical path pioneered by their fathers and uncles, members of the well-known Top End mob Nabarlek. A family affair, they are fronted by five young women (which is quite unusual by Arnhem Land standards), with backing from three of their brothers and cousins. With a four-chord country-rock sound not dissimilar to seminal 1980s desert legends Warumpi Band, Wildflower move through their repertoire with an odd mix of solid dedication and that slightly distracted energy typical of many part-time Arnhem bands. Singing in both English and her native Kunwinj’ku, lead vocalist Jean Burrunali displays a remarkably unassuming confidence, and while she and her backing singers warble a little off-key at times, there’s an undeniable innate charm at work here. Of the two singles – ‘Galiwin’ku’ is a bit of a countrified plodder, but ‘Kabbari’ rocks out with unabashed glee, and it’s easy to imagine these kids’ gleaming smiles while they crank it out. For the most part, Wildflower’s lyrics reinterpret old dreamtime stories, with updated tales of traditional country, billabongs and hunting for bush food.

The true test for these youngsters will come when they start composing their own music. But until then, Manginburru Bininj stands as an empowering first effort that demonstrates considerable promise for the future.