Born in Arnhem Land, actor and musician Tom E. Lewis has produced two very good albums to date. Sunshine After Rain, from 2006, used spoken word and atmospheric musical settings to great effect, though didn’t get to be heard nearly enough. Lewis, a label mate of Gurrumul Yunupingu, has now produced a much more rocking affair with Beneath the Sun. This album features input from Gurrumul team members Craig Pilkington (mixing and brass arrangements) and Michael Hohnen (bass and production), and the superb guitar work of Ross Hannaford. Right from its rocking opener, ‘Angels’, which channels mid-1960s Dylan-style folk rock, you know you are in for an enjoyable trip.

There are too many highlights to mention here, but the dramatic ‘I Can’t Make it on My Own’ is a particularly fine slice of storytelling, with its jazzy brass colours and twanging guitars. Lyrically, Lewis concerns himself with themes of identity and travelling, and really knows how to tell a story. The musical arrangements are varied, sympathetic and extremely catchy.

Paul Barr