Album: Burning Daylight

Celebrated local legends progressive country band The Warratahs, first entered my orbit when I was just a mere teenager way back in 1987. The New Zealand music scene was on fire with the likes of Sir Dave Dobbyn, Herbs, Shona Laing, The Chills and Margret Urlich to name a few. Crowded House was taking the international music scene by storm and the nation was in the grips of Footrot Flats fever, besotted by a couple of loved up farm dogs. These were heady times for NZ music and the perfect time to launch a new kind of sound into our halls, pubs and woolsheds. Infiltrating our airwaves, screens, and music shops up and down the country that is exactly what the Warratahs did a year earlier in 1986 with their classic Americana sound. Thirty-eight years later Burning Daylight, the bands eighth studio album is released, much to the delight of their dedicated fan base.

The Wellington based band of five, founded on Barry Saunders voice and songwriting genius combined with Nik Brown’s dynamic violin playing have returned after almost 40 years of the release of their debut album The Only Game In Town, which gave birth to classic country hits Hands On My Heart and Maureen. Once my dad got hold of this cassette it never left the car, in fact he wore it out and we bought him a replacement. Consequently, my love of The Warratahs music spawned.

This is the band that had everyone in 1990 singing along to an advert for the Inter-islander ferry. Sailing To The Other Side is probably cemented into a whole generations brains. What an extraordinary marketing coup that was. Yet another string to their bow which anchored The Warratahs as popular Kiwi culture legends.

It is worth noting that The Warratahs are a brilliant and well-seasoned touring band, dating back in time to when Radio With Pictures was the coolest show to hit our screens. To mark the release of Burning Daylight, the band are playing three live shows in and around Wellington, for those of you lucky enough to attend I can only imagine it was a cracking gig.

Burning Daylight not only caters to existing fans but also targets a new generation of listeners. Eleven tracks which the band describes as carrying a lot “reflection, loss, the past catching up with the present.” It is a mixture of studio recorded and live recordings, some featuring the late Mike Knapp on drums.

There is familiarity to this album which sparks a bout of nostalgia, however with the addition of Caroline Easther (The Chills) on drums and accompanying vocals on the track Little Victories. There is an added freshness and slightly different vibe to the sound of the band which does not detract from their original roots but enhances it.

Going Up North, kicks off the album with true Warratahs sound. Wistful violin accompanied by strumming guitar perfectly compliment Barry Saunders localised storytelling. There is air of familiarity which is comforting.

The Right Time has a honky tonk quality about it infused with a Johnny Cash flavour, whereas Little Victories flows at a more leisurely pace. This track is a standout for me as the harmonies of Caroline Easther beautifully compliment Barry Saunders vocals. Written in a “simple traditional style” there is a wistful feeling to the song. A sincerity and warmth which is conveyed through the vocalisation and tone. Alan Norman’s organ playing, adding another layer of depth and allure.

There is a strong theme of connection to water and earth on this album, and Ruby Bay is no different, painting a picture of rugged sea and mysterious sailing ships. The band gently joining in on backing vocals as Saunders tells his tale. Piano and violin encapsulate the feeling of the power of the sea.

There are many good solid tracks on Burning Daylight, each one with an interesting story to tell, however another track which stood out to me is Runaway Days. Strong harmonica open and closes with a flourish, the point of difference being the reggae sounding style of the song.

Kupe’s Tears is iconic Warratahs, first released in 2012, this makes an appearance on the album as a live track, as does the lush piano-laden Rescue Me.

Rounding off the album is the ominous sounding instrumental Stormy Seas. Through its simplicity and chord structure, there is a moody dark atmosphere which builds up a vivid picture of stormy seas. A voice-over from a RNZ weather presenter adds another layer of intense ambience. I can picture waves crashing and thunder rolling in. It was the lack of vocals combined with atmospheric instrumental which creates anticipation.

The Warratahs are a celebration of sincere Kiwi–Americana sound and Burning Daylight is yet another chapter in the bands story which has spanned decades. A substantial part of New Zealand’s musical tapestry.