ROB HIRST (MIDNIGHT OIL)

The band’s first new music since 2002 album Capricornia, it leads off with the driving synth and drum groove of First Nation, reminiscent of their more experimental sounds on 1998’s Redneck Wonderland. It doesn’t really matter if it’s 1978, ’98 or now – when Garrett’s voice kicks in there’s simply no mistaking Midnight Oil. Jim Moginie could be pushing buttons on a synthesiser, playing piano or locked in a twin guitar attack with Martin Rotsey and it’s still going to have the Oils’ unmistakeable DNA at its core.
Rob Hirst discusses the release with Matt Bern