CELIBATE RIFLES - Sideroxylon LP

Highly recommended.

Deluxe gatefold sleeve.

"Is My Life Just A Cliche?"

O.K. dummies Sideroxylon is not a code word for Sid Roxy London (eg Sex Pistols take). E.sideroxylon is a Eucalypt tree. Red Ironbark or Mugga Ironbark which grows in northern Victoria, NSW and even in southern Qld. The Rifles were one of the first overtly ecological bands, honing in on issues such as rainforest which were hitting consciousness in NSW, particularly in the early 80's with protests at places like Mt Nardi.

This Sydney lot were also inspired by Detroit/Birdman high octane rock, in fact these guys led the charge. Their first ep was a great little barnstormer full of four very fast tunes. They never hid their roots either and were always proud to show their surfer-punk-yobbo ethos, but they had a couple of big talents that made them stand out of the pack, one being a great lyricist in media academic and front man Damien Lovelock.

On this debut his talents shine through, combining songs about suburban lethargy and complacency, Australian history, prostitution, and social trends-the ecological angle is covered by the album title and the wonderful cover art. I always liked Lovelocks' dry humour and laconic delivery style which sounded deadpan but was laden with lucid insight. He sure was one great social commentator and when you combine that with the talents Kent Steedman, (exceptional lead guitarist) and the bass ability of the late James Darroch (later of The Eastern Dark) then you've got a great band in the making.