Album Review: Archie Roach - Into The Bloodstream

Despite having suffered both physical and emotional pain over the last few years, losing his wife and a lung, Roach has managed to record an album that celebrates life with its twists and turns.

With each album Roach gets better and better, using simple instrumentation to explore his personal stories. Nineteen ninety's Charcoal Lane, which introduced him to the wider Australian public, and 1997's Looking For Butterboy were beautiful albums that garnered much-deserved praise and with this new album, Into The Bloodstream, he continues to deliver on that early promise. Under the careful tutelage of Paul Kelly and producer Craig Pilkington, this album relies on subtle moods, creating an atmosphere where Roach can drawl away with his low tones. Kelly duets with the iconic songwriter on We Won't Cry, which uses a reggae feel to let the mood rise up out of the sadness. There's a surprisingly strong gospel element to some of these songs, particularly Song To Sing and Heal The People, with the voices empowering the rich throaty tones of Roach.

It's on Mulywongk and Wash My Soul In The River's Flow where you can hear the pain and loss of losing his one true love, life partner Ruby Hunter, and somehow the songs make Roach stronger. Of course, he touches upon the themes he is renowned for, including the removal from his parents as a child. The pains of yesterday are still close at hand. There is no doubt that this album will be seen as a classic in years to come. The quality of songs and production is international and for a man who has suffered so much pain, he is incredibly lucid.