Description
I Am The River, The River Is Me – the gorgeous fifth album from multi-award winning songwriter Jen Cloher – is many things.
It’s a celebration of queer identity and Indigenous cultures, a set of deeply personal and political songs presented with quiet, grounded strength. It’s the long-awaited follow-up to Cloher’s 2017 self-titled release (Double J’s #1 album that year).
Most strikingly, it’s the sound of Cloher connecting with their Māori heritage.
‘Mana Takatāpui’ sets the thematic tone for the album, and with its unhurried mix of breezy melodies, slide guitar and soulful brass, its musical template as well. An air of quiet confidence and content hangs over I Am The River, The River Is Me. These are songs that don’t need to make noise to make their points heard.
Featuring collaboration with guests like Emma Donovan, Kylie Auldist, Liz Stringer, and Ruby Solly whose combined vocals enhance the album’s rich tapestry, weaving together Cloher’s specific experiences with a sense of community.
