After the delayed American release of Food In The Belly, White Moth becomes the second American release of 2007 for Xavier Rudd. While Food In The Belly was a great subtle follow-up to Solace, White Moth raises the bar for the great one-man-band, as perhaps his best work yet. Where there may have been some restraint in the previous album, “Zaves†holds nothing back and goes for it at all angles. Beginning with the single “Better People,†Rudd brings his always positive mood into bright lyrics such as “giving food to the hungry, giving hope to the needy, giving life to a baby, giving care for free.†With ranging vocals, cracking high notes to whispering soft sections, Xavier uses his voice to its full potential much like the way he uses the many instruments he chooses to play.
While some of Rudd’s music is light and playful, he often quiets to a somber mood to produce his most powerful pieces. White Moth has a healthy mixture of both sides. The genuine storyteller and message bearer in Rudd brings power and meaning to his music. Even when he doesn’t speak, he finds a message to convey through the use of native Australian sounds with the addition of aborigines singing and playing traditional music. As on “Land Rights,†in a form of honor, Xavier pulls in natives and children mixed with his own guitar and didgeridoo for a cultural meshing.
The fast songs are there, the slow songs are there, the quiet songs are there, and the loud songs are there. White Moth creates a harbor for feelings abound. As is historically the case with Rudd’s music, White Moth boils over with passion and inspiration. The title track, “White Moth,†comes six tracks deep and cheerfully reassures to the masses as to be expected by Rudd, that “we love you, it’s a beautiful.†“White Moth” offers up a simple tune with the plucking of a hollow body electric guitar and relaxing xylophone, both played by Rudd. He ties up the album with masterful pleas, reminiscing, and missing through personal stories. The one thing that remains consistent and strong in every piece Rudd writes is the deep, genuine, heartfelt emotion that he pours into his work. Where Bob Dylan meets Keller Williams, Xavier Rudd is found somewhere waiting in the wings.
About the author: I am a writer for music publications. I also manage and book a band from Iowa City called Euforquestra.
www.euforquestra.com