Xavier Rudd - Food In The Belly

Food in the Belly is his new album, released a year and a half after Solace and is a pleasant addition to the catalogue. Recording the entire album in Canada (with guest appearances from Beth Preston, Harry Manx) live in the studio on two inch tape the production itself is splendid, having the "Canadian" feel, crisp clear vocals and superb sounding instruments. The tunes are reflective of Xav’s appreciation of the world we live in as westerners. It’s a welcome departure from Solace. Fans of his previous releases won't find the instensity of songs such as To Let or Conceal Me on the album, but will instead find beautiful chilled tunes that don't seem as preachy. The album is not overproduced, and once listening you find yourself entering that chilled space that Xavier experiences. New timing and instruments are introduced, a reggae Hammond B3, a Mohan Veena and resonator guitar.

Canadian singer/songwriter Beth Preston's backing vocals on Messages are wonderful, the song not straying from live versions found on archive.org. Pockets of Peace has slide legend Harry Manx on the 20 stringed Mohan Veena and blends in perfectly with the drone of the didge. Energy Song has Xav finger-picking, with Dave Tolley from Canadian band Nine Mile on snare and brushes which adds a softer touch. It's an awesome rolling tune. Mana is jumping didge track that makes you want to get up and dance wherever you are. Famine, a cover of the Toots Hibbert tune is a nice addition to the album. The single Mother, a song about the praise for mother nature has been getting lots of airplay on Triple J and has Panos Grames adding the reggae groove in the background. Standout track is Fortune Teller, a song with an awesome didge drone moving into a faster upbeat rhythm, very similar riff to G.B.A off the album Solace. Generation fade has some Vancouver children adding backing vocals, and a rare audible pleasure is Xavier’s piano playing on the autobiographical track, September 24, 1999.

Food in the Belly is not the hippy loving, peace and love stereotype that many people associate with Xavier’s music, it’s a textured album that shows Xavier’s versatility. After six albums and worldwide touring, Xavier is truly an independent musical spirit.