Vanguard Records
2006
Chasing The Sun
About This Album
Perhaps it was inevitable given the dominating presence of guitarist/vocalist/songwriter Mato Nanji, that Indigenous would someday be a vehicle in all but name for the frontman. That day has arrived with the fifth album under the Indigenous moniker, but first to replace Nanji's brother (percussion) and sister (drums) with studio musicians. Even though, Pte, his bassist brother, is still listed in the credits, his contributions are minimal. Additionally only Nanji's photos adorn the booklet, which gives the impression that this is a solo album, and for all intents, it is just that. Regardless, it's a rugged, tough, at times roaring blues-rock disc that finds a strong groove and rides it like a jockey on a thoroughbred. Nanji's guitar and voice are front and center throughout, and the stripped down production by Steve Fishell (the Mavericks, Albert Lee, Willie Nelson) keeps the sound meaty and lean. Eight out of the ten tracks are written or co-written by Nanji with a driving version of Bobby Robinson/Tarheel Slim's "Number Nine Train" and a soulful take on Bob Dylan's "Born in Time" the only covers. Nanji's dusky baritone vocals, a combination of Hootie & the Blowfish's Darius Rucker and Jonny Lang, sink into his quicksilver guitar lines like a father into his favorite overstuffed chair.
Track List (try tracks 1,2,3 and 4)

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