Into the Bloodstream (Archie Roach)

AS indefatigable voices of the Stolen Generations, Archie Roach and Kutcha Edwards are veritable soul brothers, living testimony to human resilience and the ability to overcome vicissitude and adversity.

AS indefatigable voices of the Stolen Generations, Archie Roach and Kutcha Edwards are veritable soul brothers, living testimony to human resilience and the ability to overcome vicissitude and adversity.

It's an entirely apposite quirk of fate, then, that sees the simultaneous release of landmark works from two of Aboriginal Australia's deadliest singer-songwriters.

Strengthening the parallel is the fact Into the Bloodstream and Blak & Blu are unexpectedly uplifting albums that benefit immeasurably from the recording, arranging and multi-instrumental prowess of the same producer, and that both draw heavily on gospel, blues and soul music for inspiration. Producer Craig Pilkington deserves plaudits for helping both artists reconnect with their creative spirits, Roach following the passing of his partner, Ruby Hunter, and his subsequent battle with serious medical problems. Paul Kelly has assisted in the healing process, contributing one song and co-writing and duetting on another.

The opening verse of the latter, We Won't Cry, a surprisingly compatible blend of gospel and reggae, stands as a mission statement for the album: "If your burden's too heavy that it's gonna break you / And you might go crashing to the ground / Keep yourself steady and don't let it take you down." Other friends chip in. The peerless back-up singing of Vika and Linda Bull gives cred to the hot gospel study Wash My Soul in the River's Flow.

A rousing indigenous choir led by Tiddas's Lou Bennett adds hallelujah umph to the inspiring Song to Sing. Emma Donovan lends her soulful chops to the comparatively stripped-back Hush Now Babies. A male choir combined with the strains of an American spiritual standard powers Big Black Train.

Dan Sultan is on the chorus of the New Orleans-flavoured, Hammond organ-endowed Little by Little. Roach's rich vocal presence is the dominant tone. His velvety voice is the epitome of poignancy on the ballad Mulyawongk, a tender tribute to Hunter, and Old Mission Road, an equally moving lament for the parents from whom he was so cruelly parted. In the rousing title track and the brass-driven Heal the People, Roach exhibits previously unrevealed growl and range.

LABEL: Liberation
RATING: 4.5 stars