Atsiaktonkie (ah-jeeak-doon-gee-ay) is a Mohawk Territory singer-songwriter who, when this album came out in 2008, had been honing his craft for 10 years. He originated with the Native American band December Wind; Four Wolves Prophecy was his second solo album, after 2004's The Ancient Ones.

Atsiaktonkie's music is described as folk, but there's a good strong rock sentiment there as well. He writes about contemporary issues that remain important to Native Americans society.

"Born on a Reservation" talks about drinking, rez dogs and a "bingo line for eternity." "I Don't Know How Far I Can Go" talks about buying a car, a pack of cigarettes and leaving, but not knowing whether he actually can get away. "Mother Earth" questions whether the tribes let the Earth down by leaving the old ways behind.

Overall, Four Wolves Prophecy is a strong offering with enough variety for people who like both folk and Native American music. Atsiaktonkie's voice isn't the most melodious, but the man's heart is in every word and with this kind of music, that's what really counts.

[ visit Atsiaktonkie on Facebook ]