Resist. There could not be a more apt title for a Midnight Oil album. The Aussie activist rockers have continually protested the treatment of indigenous peoples and our planet. Resist is a climate change treatise, a dire warning served up with a little hope. All accompanied by the band’s signature driving acoustic and chiming guitars, pitch-perfect harmonies, and powerful lead vocals. While the band has kept the door open for future recordings, the upcoming summer tour will definitely be the closing act. And when it’s been 20 years since your last album and you’re all 65+ years old, it wouldn’t be a surprise if this is the final record. What a way to go out.
And now for a brief history…the band formed in Sydney in 1972 as Farm. Lead singer, Peter Garrett, joined in 1973 and the group became known as Midnight Oil in 1976. Their self-titled debut album was released in 1978. After a couple more albums, the band’s 1982 10,9,8,7,6,5,4,3,2,1 received some good airplay with its lead single “The Power and the Passion.” In 1987, the band achieved international success with Diesel and Dust. “Beds Are Burning” became their biggest hit and other songs like “The Dead Heart,” “Bullroarer,” and “Dreamworld” made it one of the top albums of the decade (one of my all-time favorites). The follow-up Blue Sky Mining is right up there with it led by the title song and exquisite guitar of “Forgotten Years.” Earth and Sun and Moon in 1993, highlighted by “Truganini,” completed an impressive mid-career run of five remarkable albums. After a couple disappointing albums, they returned to form in 2002 with Capricornia. The band then disbanded as Garrett joined the Australian House of Representatives and later was named the Minister for the Environment, Heritage, and the Arts. They regrouped in 2016 and went on a well-received world tour. Their bass player since 1987, Bones Hillman, died from cancer in 2020. Resist is their 13th studio album.
“Rising Seas” sets the tone of the album (as does the cover with its historical temperature graph). A call to action and an apology to the youth of the world. “Let’s confess we did not act with serious urgency. So open up the floodgates to the rising seas.” It’s like the band never left with the propulsive rhythm, passionate vocals, and heavenly harmonies. The next song is an ode to the Darling River that starts off with punk-like riffs and abruptly switches to a mellow piano interlude. “Tarkine” is a gorgeous softer number dedicated to the Australian forest reserve in Tasmania: “Well I lost myself when I fell for you, All that I have now is a souvenir of you.” “At the Time of Writing” (“at the time of writing, we were fast asleep”) delivers some pop hooks complemented by a little sax. “Nobody’s Child’s” synths are uplifting amidst a hopeful message: “Beauty, love, and compassion, Spread it everywhere, Because nothing less will do.” “We Resist” is a chanting, moving protest with the tantalizing line, “it’s a storm without end, where’s the lighthouse.” “Lost at Sea” rages with its simmering guitar and chorus: “In the age when the loudest voices win, words are now worth less than silence.” The album closes with “Last Frontier” and asks, “Who fixes the messes that we keep making,” surrounded by a pounding piano.
Midnight Oil is known for its live performances. The tight band, harmonies, and the towering frenetic presence of Peter Garrett make for an unforgettable experience. They head to the States in June with three west coast shows (Vancouver, B.C., Oakland, L.A.) before heading back east and then to Europe in July. I’m going to have to rely on my one time seeing them at the Santa Barbara Bowl on October 3, 1993 (with a noteworthy Hothouse Flowers as the opener). With Resist and its tour, Midnight Oil is making a resounding exclamation to its 50 years of music and commitment to the planet.
D² Rating ◼◼◼◼☐
Trivia: Midnight Oil wore clothes with “SORRY” on them while performing “Beds Are Burning” at what major event?
Answer: The Closing Ceremonies of the 2000 Sydney Summer Olympics
Comments
4 responses to “Resist: Midnight Oil Goes on Its Farewell Tour with Superb New Album”
Yes, Midnight Oil will be coming through Boston later this summer. One of many really good shows. I had a real Aussie Rock fascination in the mid 80’s. Not just INXS, but also Hoodoo Gurus, Hunters and Collector, Mental as Anything and The Saints. Saw many of these bands in Jan. ‘87 at the Australian Made concert in Melbourne VIC, AUS. Also saw the Saints at a club in San Diego in the same tim. Chris Bailey of the Saints just passed. May he Rest In Peace.
Joe Coma, great to hear from you again! Thanks for commenting. I’m familiar with INXS and the Hoodoo Gurus, but not so much the other three Aussie bands you mention. I’ll have to check them out. That is a classic show you saw in Melbourne. My wife and I made it there in January, 2020, but didn’t see any live music. Next month I’ll attend my first concert since March 2020 – The Church at the Rock at SLO Brew. When I first saw the concert listing, I had to check if it was THE Church, and indeed, the Australians with 25 albums to their name will be playing basically across the street from me at a small venue. Stay tuned for a follow-up concert review and band profile.
Never listened to them a lot, but when you say they’ve got one of your all-time favs, I need to pay attention. As always, thanks for putting the time you do into these reviews and profiles. Much appreciated!
Barcelona1, Thanks for your continuing support! Yes, check them out. I think you’ll be impressed.