The best albums are deeply personal. They don’t reflect current trends or follow a formula designed to move units. Instead, they provide an insight into the artist who created them. Chris Tamwoy’s debut album Reality Is sounds very different from the music that charts today, but its intimate nature provides a listening experience that’s so much richer.
The opening track “Damien and Sarah” gives us our first hint that this is something we haven’t heard before. It’s a gentle instrumental acoustic guitar piece, beautiful but not the kind of catchy opener we’re used to. It’s the first of several instrumental tracks on this album. These striking numbers give us space for reflection while showcasing Chris’ signature virtuosic guitar-tap style.
Other tracks give us insight into the driving forces in Chris’ life: his family and his culture. He delivers them in a mix of Eastern and Western Torres Strait Islander language, Creole, and English, celebrating all parts of his identity. I was struck by the single “Kulba Yaday,” featuring Christine Anu, on its release last year. There are so many more gems here, including “Yesu Kara Ople” and “Monkey & Tortol,” inspired by an indigenous children’s folk story. Even when you don’t understand the language, you can connect to the feelings behind them.
Other songs like “Dear Pop” and “Karissa (Don’t Cry)” pay tribute to the special people in Chris’ life. The English lyrics are straightforward and from the heart, ensuring we can all connect to these musical love letters.
“My whole album is based on the reality of life,” he explained in the press release. “It’s about me and who I am: it’s me as an individual covering every inch, every aspect of who I am as a Torres Strait Islander. I wanted to bring in my identity and the clans I originate from in the Torres Strait.”
For many people, Reality Is will be their introduction to Chris Tamwoy’s music. I can’t imagine creating a collection that more perfectly showcases who he is as an artist and a person. These songs are simple and honest, anchored by his guitar prowess, warm, welcoming voice, and gift for songwriting. Reality Is is available today via ABC Music.
Images used with permission from Revolutions per Minute