This month marks the release of Documenting Snapshots (29th September – pre-order here), the latest offering from Gilmore & Roberts,” one of the country’s finest acoustic roots duos”. To celebrate the release, Folk Radio is premiering their new video for their latest album single, I, Burnum Burnum, a song based on the declaration read out by Australian Aboriginal activist Burnum Burnum as he planted the Aboriginal flag on the beach in Dover on 26th January 1988 – 200 years to the day after the first fleet of British ships arrived in Australia.
Documenting Snapshots is also one of our Featured Albums of the Month, which was reviewed here by David Pratt. In his review, David wrote of I, Burnum Burnum:
If evidence of the duo’s songwriting expertise were needed, you need look no further than the opening track, Jamie’s I, Burnum, Burnum. As previously mentioned, one of the hallmarks of Gilmore and Roberts is their propensity to unearth fascinating historical characters or events, which then form the basis of a song; this is the first of such on this release. Taken from his parents at barely three months old and given the name Harry Penrith, the sportsman, activist and author who was to change his name to Burnham Burnham (“Great Warrior”) in honour of his great great grandfather in 1976 was one of the Australian Aboriginals’ Stolen Generations. On Australian Bicentenary Day, 26th January 1988, he planted the Aboriginal Flag on the White Cliffs of Dover, near Folkestone Harbour, and issued the Burnham Burnham Declaration, claiming England on behalf of the Aboriginal people; the act lampooning the arrival of the English First Fleet in Australia in 1788. The somewhat ethereal, almost spooky opening conjures up an image of Uluru, an atmosphere further enhanced by the chanted vocalisations and electronic shimmerings. Repeated listening reveals layer upon layer of aural activity, with production levels of the highest interest and quality. As the song develops, particularly on the extended chorus before the final stanza, there is a definite and forceful rocky feel. As the song comes almost full circle and ends on a quieter, echoey fade, I’m mindful that my original listening notes state, “What a bloody powerful track this is.” I’ve not changed my mind after many listens.
Video by Andy Little
Pre-order Documenting Snapshots CD(out on 29th September) via their website: https://gilmoreroberts.co.uk/product/documenting-snapshots-cd/
Jamie and Katriona are on tour now. You can find full details, along with ticket links on their website here: https://gilmoreroberts.co.uk/live/