tdh Opinions Reviews Head Injuries

Head Injuries

Reviewed by Q Magazine

(Combined review of HI and Place Without a Postcard)

"By band choice, big and bald singer Peter Garrett is projected as the public image of Midnight Oil, but these albums (1979 and '81) are a reminder that all the political fire of Diesel and Dust, their worldwide breakthrough, would have got them nowhere but for their guitar sound. While Garrett always had anger to burn and, as he's wont to boast, really never did sing about lurve, his early endeavours were pretty incoherent. Songs like "Stand In Line" (Injuries) or "Don't Wanna Be The One" (Postcard) find him railing in that tiresomely generalised rock`n'roll way against "the system". Later, when the practical campaigns the Oil got involved in gave them solid stories to work on, the waffle was cut and the writing improved no end. But unhosannaed guitarists James Moginie and Martin Rotsey were busy being wonderful all along. Rhythm and lead, in harmony, or powering in unison, they were blissfully teamed. Steeped in Stones, drenched in Beatles, yet redoubtably their own men, they'd have founded the Manchester scene if they hadn't been in Sydney. Both albums are tasty tough pop listening for Oil completists, but also for guitar band buffs they rate, irresistibly, as plank spank heaven. - "

Reviewer: Phil Sutcliffe (#58 - 7/91)