Tjintu Desert Band herald in the new sound from the Central Desert

Tjintu - Credit Tim_Cole“For our community of around 200 people there is one general store, one school, no mobile phone range and little access to the internet. But Ikuntji [aka Haasts Bluff, NT] is much more than the town itself – it’s the rocky hills, the red earth, the country of our Dreaming, our grandfathers’ country.” Tjintu Desert Band.

Upon listening to the debut album by Tjintu Desert Band [pronounced Jin-Too] it is evident these five young Aboriginal men from the remote Central Australian NT towns of Ikuntji and Kintore have a connection to their land, its spirits and a transcendent magic that captures the atmosphere and sound of the desert.

Tjamuku Ngurra [pronounced Jam-akoo Noora] features 10 tracks with resounding guitar riffs perfect for radio. Funk, rock, reggae and dub grooves have been woven together to create a distinct desert sound that simultaneously captures its wide-open spaces, its brutal beauty and its formidable darkness. Large and powerful tribal choruses combine with roots and rock influences – featuring Spanish inspired acoustic guitar, rock reggae electric riffs and all supported by a consistent moving dub bass. This strong foundation supports the aural paintings in both Luritja and English, stories sung of country and the people who live there. Tjamuku Ngurra is a new sound that leaves you with a sense of connection to the heart of Australia and the vibrant music scene known there as ‘Desert Reggae’.

Produced by Jeremy Conlon and mixed by Tim Cole Tjamuku Ngurra is released by CAAMA Music on March 7th. This is a definitive album release for the next chapter in the evolution of this independent Aboriginal record label based out of Alice Springs. “This release signals a new phase for CAAMA Music and Aboriginal musicians from the Centre. It raises the bar for Australia’s unique Central Desert sound, Australia’s real alternative music scene. Music lovers can expect a lot more new music coming out of the desert over the next few years.” Micheal ‘Miko’ Smith – General Manager CAAMA Music.

The first track to be released to radio is the title track – Tjamuku Ngurra. It opens with an irresistible Santana-like riff that expands into a potent tribal chorus driven by more funk based riffs. Lifted off Tjintu Desert Band’s debut album of the same name this song & album showcase the new sound coming out of Central Australia right now!

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Tjintu Desert Band are:
Terry Marshall – lead vox/rhythm guitar/harmonica
Jeffrey Zimran – lead guitar/lead & back up vox
Joseph Zimran – keys/synth/back-up vox/xylophone
Kieran Multa – drums/tamborine/egg shaker
Aaron Sharpe – Bass/back-up vox

March 7th 2014 – Tjamuku Ngurra – [translates to Grandfather’s Country]

Tjamuku Ngurra is released nationally by CAAMA Music on 7 March 2014 and distributed by MGM.