Yolŋu elder Andrew Gurruwiwi has become a master of translating ancient First Nations songlines for modern audiences. Leading his titular band as a singer and percussionist, he sometimes swaps out his signature hand drums for a scene-stealing keytar solo. That undeniable sense of charisma runs right across this debut album, bolstered by members of Yothu Yindi and Gurrumul’s band and a horn section borrowed from dub collective SUB-TRIBE. There’s a mix of new and traditional material on display, with bookends “Wata Mäwi” and “Maḻirri (The Falling Leaves)” adapting a songline from Arnhem Land’s Gälpu clan that traces the cultural and historical impact of the West Wind. Lashed with thundering rock guitar, “Go to Sleep (The Legend of Ŋamini Baŋ Baŋ)” is inspired by a Yolŋu children’s story about a creature who kidnaps kids that resist falling asleep. Frank and unflinching, “Once Upon a Time” tackles the frontier wars and massacres that accompanied the forced colonisation of Australia. That song feels like an urgent sequel to No Fixed Address’ seminal 1980s protest song “We Have Survived”, and the rest of the album is equally powerful. As for the music, it’s a rich mélange of global sounds. Beyond a hearty foundation of rock, blues and reggae, there are flamenco flourishes on the spirited instrumental “Arriba” and frisky Afropop guitar licks on “Yaa Djamarrkuḻi”. Rather than feeling disparate or out of place, those fleeting touches underscore the adventurous spirit of Gurruwiwi and his players.