Yirinda – Yirinda (Chapter Music, 2024)
The Australian musical duo known as Yirinda, deriving its name from the Butchulla term for ‘Now,’ merges the ancient Aboriginal language with a diverse array of contemporary auditory elements. Through the creative alliance of Fred Leone and Samuel Pankhurst, the duo’s compositions serve as a conduit, seamlessly intertwining millennia of narrative and cultural heritage with a distinctly novel expression.
Fred Leone is one of the three prominent Butchulla Songmen, entrusted with safeguarding the melodic and linguistic legacy of the Butchulla people from the Fraser Coast region of Queensland, inclusive of K’gari, formerly recognized as Fraser Island. Within this musical project, he channels the songs in the endangered Butchulla dialect, presently preserved by only a scant few.
On the other hand, Samuel Pankhurst, internationally acclaimed for his virtuosity as an acoustic bassist and producer, brings forth kaleidoscopic harmonies and polyrhythmic complexities. His illustrious career spans contemporary dance, notably contributing to the renowned choreographer Thomas Kelly’s lauded work, SILENCE.
Their eponymous inaugural album, Yirinda, meticulously crafted in Brisbane under Samuel’s adept production, underwent further refinement in London under the masterful hands of Jake Miller, renowned for his collaborations with Björk, Arca, and Yves Tumor. The final touch, mastering, transpired at the legendary Abbey Road Studios by the skilled artisan Alex Wharton.
This album juxtaposes Fred’s resounding vocals against avant-garde soundscapes, embellished with the opulence of chamber strings, brass ensembles, double bass, and electronic instrumentation, orchestrated through the adept manipulation of synthesizers, pianos, and percussion instruments. The resultant auditory experience transcends conventional paradigms.
Yirinda’s accolades extend to prestigious platforms such as the Australian Art Music Awards, Vivid Festival, Brisbane Festival, Woodford, Golden Plains, Mona Foma, and Supersense, earning commendations from various influential media outlets including ABC Radio and NME Australia.
Fred Leone’s artistic voyage spans continents, having graced European stages as a member of The Black Arm Band and as a solo performer, sharing platforms with Xavier Rudd.
Similarly, Samuel Pankhurst’s repertoire includes collaborations with talented artists like the Brodsky String Quartet, alongside his versatile studio endeavors ranging from contributions to the acclaimed Bluey TV show to collaborations with trailblazing acts like Hiatus Kaiyote.
Musicians: Fred Leone on vocals, wurlu, bargan; Samuel Pankhurst on double bass, synthesizers, piano, percussion. String section: Graeme Jennings on violin 1; Anne Frances Horton on violin 2; Yoko Oyakasu on viola; Katherine Philp on cello. Additional musicians: Callum G’Froerer on trumpet; Vanessa Tomlinson on triangle.
Tracks:
- Yuangan (Dugong)
- Njurunj (Emu)
- Dhangalim (Fly)
- Thurum Voi (Look There)
- Nyun (Brother)
- Guyu (Fish)
- Galangoor Baya (Welcome)
- Ba Gi Lam (Fighting)
- Yunma (Sleep)
Buy Yirinda
Author: Douglas Sanders
