Goanna lead singer, Shane Howard, describes the song as, ”A hymn to the natural world, to takayna/Tarkine and the palawa peoples long custodianship of that country.”
Australian rock band Goanna is making a triumphant comeback after 25 years with their highly anticipated new single, ‘takayna’. Scheduled for release on July 1, the song not only marks a milestone for the iconic group but also serves as a rallying cry to protect the Tarkine rainforest in North West Tasmania.
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Described as Australia’s equivalent of the Amazon, the Tarkine rainforest spans an impressive half a million hectares of pristine natural beauty. However, this ecological gem is currently under threat from logging and mining activities, with the region lacking sufficient protection against deforestation and mining expansion.
“takayna/Tarkine is under threat from clear-felling and mining. We are honour bound to do better, for country, for all the creatures that depend on those forests, including ourselves and future generations”, said Howard.
“We all understand the need for jobs but there are more responsible ways of dealing with ‘tailings’ from a mine than to build a 48 metre high dam of toxic acid right beside a magnificent river in pristine forest”, Howard continues.
“It defies logic really. The region is too environmentally sensitive. World’s best practice should be at the heart of what is of greatest value to Tasmania in the long run. There are alternatives.”
Recorded live during Goanna’s Touring on Country National Tour at Melbourne’s Hamer Hall last year, “takayna” captures the essence of the band’s early recordings. Lead vocalist Shane Howard’s poetic lyrics are accompanied by Rose Bygrave and Marcia Howard’s mesmerizing harmonies, Graham Davidge and Howard’s signature guitar riffs, the rhythmic foundation provided by Ruben Shannon and Marcus Ryan, and Richard Tankard’s soaring Hammond Organ.
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The significance of the release date, July 1, holds historical weight. It marks the 40th anniversary of the High Court Decision that prevented the damning of the Franklin River, a pivotal moment in Australia’s environmental movement. Goanna’s choice to release their new single on this day underscores their commitment to raising awareness and advocating for the protection of natural treasures like the Tarkine rainforest.
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