Now Is the Right Time Of Year: Nadjiwan

Thunder Bay/Toronto-based artist Nadjiwan has released his latest album, Now Is the Right Time of Year, an eight-track, boundary-pushing collection of Indigenous rock music. The album’s strength lies in its diversity; Now Is the Right Time of Year explores the vast variations and eras of rock music, from old-school, power-chord electric guitar riffs to upbeat pop/rock hits to twangy, acoustic, country-rock ballads. However, Nadjiwan’s Indigenous influence is consistent throughout, with background vocal chants and lyrical storytelling bringing dynamic, powwow-like vibes to tracks like “Sacred Fire,” “Breaking the Dawn,” and “Forgotten Suns.” While there is not one consistent lyrical theme throughout, many songs speak to a revival and resurgence of Indigenous identity in all its diversity. As always, Nadjiwan pushes the boundaries of what listeners may assume when we think of both rock and Indigenous music. 

-Kelsey Raynard

4/5