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Breathe |
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Breathe
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Breathe |
Australia's Midnight Oil kicks off its ninth album with a clunky, swirling piece of guitar rock called "Underwater," a sweet tune that celebrates the simple richness of oceanic imagery. It is an uncharacteristically idyllic moment for a band that built its reputation by exploiting societal injustices through fiery anthems like "Beds Are Burning" and "Blue Sky Mine," among others. But it is indicative of the group's new direction.
The songs on "Breathe" seem to come from a more romantic place than in the past. Peter Garrett's lyrics downplay the politics and, in songs like "Home" and "Surf's Up Tonight," explore more personal pursuits. Therein lies the primary problem with "Breathe"; its contemplative themes and subdued musical slant are ill-suited for Midnight Oil's dynamic verve.
Where the imposing singer used to urge confrontation, he now sings on "Surf's Up," "There's a place where you can throw it all away / There's a place where you can forget, you get wet, it's free, you get high, you're alive / Surf's up tonight." It would sound more endearing if it didn't come off like a bad approximation of the Village People's mantra in "YMCA".
Even the songs that attempt to rejuvenate the band's political spark, tracks like "Time to Heal" and "Bring on the Change," are weighed down with generic themes, vague lyrics and a listless soundtrack.
Clearly, the band's heart is no longer in it.
Reviewer: Aidin Vaziri