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New Moon, Silver Moon is the fourth album (first in seven years) from The Orbweavers - Marita Dyson and Stuart Flanagan, with Paddy Mann (bass), Jen Sholakis (drums), Biddy Connor (viola), and Laura Hertaeg (trumpet).

It's a response to the many-layered histories of two places: Naarm / Melbourne, and Broken Hill on Wilyakali Country, and surrounding Barkindji Country. Songs explore waterways, ecosystems and the impact of industry, all infused with personal notes from the present. 'Silver Saltbush' is one of many examples, blending scenes of daily life in Broken Hill with reflections on the region's flora and mining past.

The Orbweavers are careful observers, finding connections between seemingly separate elements. They write about geological links between north and west Melbourne, and the shared birdlife of local creeks and the Menindee Lakes. Field recordings are added to their lush folk arrangements, evoking specific locations in the music.

The Orbweavers are patient too. Speaking with Kate Kingsmill on The Distant Sky, Dyson said: "Sometimes there can be a long distance between coming up with an idea and wanting to make something out of it, and then ending up with something you can share, like a recording or a gig or even a story." The result is an illuminating album, one that comes with detailed liner notes for extra context. As always, Dyson and Stuart invite us to listen ever more closely to the land and hear its unfolding history.

For the chance to win a copy of this week's Album Of The Week, Triple R subscribers can enter here before Sunday 21 July 2024. We have a prize policy of 1 album per subscriber per month so we can share the love and make it fair for all!