The Power & The Passion Remains

The Oils are back and have lost none of the power and the passion that has made the Australian band arguably the most important social commentator in rock'n'roll over the last 40 years.

They hinted at what was to come on 2020's Makaratta Project, a collaborative EP with new and old indigenous musicians, but it has been 20 years since Capricornia, their last full length studio album, so it remained to be seen if they could reclaim the same intensity two decades down the track.

We needn't have worried. Resist is a triumphant comeback of note.

With long time producer Warne Livesey behind the boards, and charismatic lead singer Peter Garrett in fine voice, Resist is right up there with 1987's acclaimed Diesel & Dust and possibly even more important, given the global issues it tackles head-on.

Opening track 'Rising Seas' starts with Garrett in sombre tone, lamenting the urgency of climate change, before the chugging twin guitars of Jim Moginie and Martin Rotsey propel this uniquely Oils song forward, with typical gusto.

Standout track, 'At The Time of Writing' continues the theme with a cracker riff and super catchy chorus that will stay with you long after the needle lifts.

The 'Barka-Darling River' is almost two songs in one, rocking with a punkish edge, probably not seen since 1979's Head Injuries in the first half, before seguing into piano driven balladry.

How good would this be live?

And the acoustically driven 'Tarkine' and 'Reef' tackle the environment, as they tell of the imminent danger of mining to the Tasmanian wilderness and the even bigger threat to the world heritage listed Great Barrier Reef.

Sadly, Oils long-time bass player, the late 'Bones' Hillman, died of cancer before the album's release. But there is no mistaking his driving rhythm on every track, as always, in perfect concert with Rob Hirst's powerhouse drumming.

The Oils are currently on their last tour (or so they say) but they haven't ruled out more studio albums. So whilst we may never get a chance to see them command a stage in full flight again, we live in hope that they will keep making music as good as this.

We need to hear their voice.

And do something about it.

Before it's too late.

Check out Resist on Limited Edition red vinyl :-)