There is a primal new energy in Xavier Rudd as he writes and plays invigorated by his collaboration with Izintaba - his incredibly funky new rhythm section featuring master bassist Tio Moloantoa and drummer Andile Nqubezelo of the late afro-reggae legend Lucky Dube's band.

Xavier, Tio and Andile formed a bond that extended beyond their musical respect for each other in the summer of 2008 at Austria’s Nuke festival. This relationship like their musical tastes reflects a passion for unifying culture, sound and understanding. Moving away from the heavier edged sound that he pursued on Dark Shades of Blue, Xavier is back to his up beat, hip swaying sound that has been his main stay on previous recordings.

There is a real magic in the air with this new line up and the tight, deep global rhythms make this the most exciting of times in the musical journey of Xavier Rudd.

Xavier has taken his poignant music from the shores of Torquay on Victoria’s surf coast around the world and triumphed many times over but by all accounts his new album ‘Koonyum Sun’ is Xavier at the peak of his powers.

He’s been lifted higher by the inspiration of his new band and touched by the spirit that only the sun, sand and sea surrounding the famed 301 studio in Byron Bay can provide a musical saltwater bohemian and activist like Xavier.