THE TRIFFIDS: “Australian Melodrama” (Mushroom)

THIS nineteen-track collection is a testament to what a fine band The Triffids were throughout their eleven-year life-span (1978-1989). These tracks have been gathered from throughout that period and, though there is little information in the picture-filed booklet, the album appears to run chronologically.

The producers involved include Nick Mainsbridge, Mark Radcliffe, Gil Norton and Stephen Street with Lars Aldman doing the final track. The first five cuts feature fine melodic songs, with intermeshing guitars over a cheesy organ backdrop, with all the vocals bar one coming from writer/mainman David McComb. But when we get to track six ‘The Seabirds’, the first of Gil Norton’s cuts, there is an obvious leap in terms of texture, styling and approach. It’s as if what was once confined by four walls is now fully open to the sky or the wide open road. Just how big their sound had become can be appreciated on ‘Bury Me Deep In Love’, a song riding a crest of strings with a big chorus and McComb’s powerful, emotive vocal topping a perfect mix. If there had been any justice, this should have been a huge hit.

David McComb’s writing worked on many levels and was capable of touching a whole gamut of emotions in any observant listener. The music drew on a wide range of influences and sources: on a song like ‘Hometown Farewell Kiss’, pedal steel guitar mixes easily with clarinet, sax and vibes and elegant vocal harmonies. And they could still rock, as on ‘Unmade Love’, or deliver bizarre tales like ‘Jerdacottup Man’, complete with what sounds like a bagpipe solo.

Mention should also be made of Jill Birt’s vocal contributions especially on ‘Goodbye Little Boy’ wherein her slight touch perfectly suits the song’s tone. While this writer finds the Gil Norton period the most rewarding, everything here is well worth listening to and the live rendition of ‘In The Pines’ that closes the album underlines also that they were a genuinely compelling live act.

In their wake, David McComb has recently released a good solo album and may yet achieve the kind of success he deserves. But for those who are unacquainted with his work, this compilation is an excellent introduction. It may be melodrama but it’s played to perfection.

• Stephen Rapid