Various - The Australianacity of Hope: A Quick Guide to Indie Australia

  by Dixie Ernill

published: 12 / 10 / 2010

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Back in the late seventies and early eighties, my partner spent a fair bit of time in the uber cool Skinny's Records in Brisbane, snapping up early releases by the likes of the Go-Betweens as well as imports by Echo and the Bunnymen. Sadly in December 2007, just days after I had arrived for my first visit to Australia, Skinny's closed it's doors for the final time with owner Simon Homer deciding to put his energies into a record label - Plus One Records. 'The Australianacity of Hope' is Plus One's showcase CD for eight of Queensland's finest alternative bands that have been making waves in their native land over the last few years, but are yet to make a name for themselves in the UK. The Gin Club's two tracks that open the album are very similar to fellow Australians, Augie March at their finest, and are probably the highlight of the CD, while The Blackwater Fever offer a couple of slices of dirty garage rock. Elsewhere, Intercooler mix elements of Supergrass, Puressence and even MGMT across their tracks. Texas Tea are female-fronted country folk-pop in the same vein as Camera Obscura, Black Mustang are above average glam-rock and Giants of Science a combination of grunge and soft rock. The Smokestack Orchestra are straight down the line rock, but Mary Trembles, fresh from the release of their debut long player, are a more exciting option of indie-rock that along with the Gin Club are the band most likely to hit the big time over here. A worthwhile compliation, but probably not edgy enough to truly do Skinny's justice.

Track Listing:-

1 The Gin Club- 10 Paces Away
2 The Gin Club- You, Me & The Sea
3 The Blackwater Fever- Better Off Dead
4 The Blackwater Fever- Lovesick
5 Intercooler- All Coming Back To Me
6 Intercooler- Destiny
7 Texas Tea- Billy
8 Texas Tea- Cane Farmer's Song
9 Black Mustang- Jimmy
10 Black Mustang- The One
11 Giants Of Science- Here Is The Punishment
12 Giants Of Science- Mouth Shut Tight
13 Mary Trembles- Tiargo
14 Mary Trembles- Eating Through The Debauchery
15 The Smokestack Orchestra- Vincent Price
16 The Smokestack Orchestra- Tractor

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