Goanna - Spirit Returns (1998)

Spirit Returns is the third and final studio album by Australian rock band Goanna, led by poet, singer, and activist Shane Howard.

Released 13 years after their previous release (Oceania, 1985), the album marks a powerful creative reunion for the band, whose legendary status was established back in 1982 with the breakthrough social anthem "Solid Rock."

As with Goanna's early work, central themes include reconciliation with Australia's indigenous population, environmental protection, connection to the land, and a spiritual return to one's roots (reflected in the album's title).

The album's sound is built on a seamless blend of traditional Australian folk rock (acoustic guitars, harmonica) with Australian Aboriginal instruments (primarily the didgeridoo) and polyrhythmic percussion.

In contrast to the pop-rock and new wave production of the 1980s, Spirit Returns has a much more organic, earthy and acoustic sound, with an emphasis on the soulful vocal harmonies of Shane Howard and his sister Marcia Howard.