Primitive Man (1982)
Atmospheric, synth-heavy, and still cool as hell.
The opening track, Great Southern Land, sets the tone for the album with its sweeping synth melodies and evocative lyrics that celebrate the vastness and beauty of the Australian landscape. The song’s soaring chorus and eerie sound make it an enduring classic of the band’s catalog and one of my all-time favorites.
This album includes many great songs. There’s Uniform, with its pulsing synth bassline and propulsive drumbeat, and Street Cafe, a moody and atmospheric synth-pop track that never gets old. Hey Little Girl features a catchy synth riff and a sing-along chorus that showcases lead singer Iva Davies’ pop sensibilities. The instrumental Glam even feels like an 80s new wave love letter to Gary Glitter’s Rock and Roll, Pt. 2. It’s the same vibe, but if you don’t agree then keep that to yourself. You don’t want people thinking you have poor listening skills.
Throughout the record, the band’s use of synthesizers is particularly noteworthy, with each track featuring a variety of synth textures and layers. The production is polished and slick, with a focus on creating a rich sonic palette that fills the listener’s ears. The album’s minimalist and atmospheric production is a warm and refreshing welcome to the band’s discography.
Primitive Man is a strong and musically diverse album that showcases Icehouse’s evolving sound and musical abilities. The band’s use of synths and atmospheric production creates a rich sonic landscape that remains engaging and immersive throughout the record’s runtime. If you’re a fan of 80s synth-pop and new wave, or again just good music in general, then Primitive Man is a great album to sink your teeth into.
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Highlight Song:
Great Southern Land
Street Cafe
Hey, Little Girl
Trojan Blue
Goodnight Mr Matthews (USA Re-record)
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Own it, Stream it, Forget about it?
Primitive Man is a No Skip Album through and through and all NSAs deserve to be owned. It is a great looking album cover, and it is a great sounding album all together. You would be a righteous person for owning this album. Don’t wait up, go out and get it!
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Overall Rating:
4.5 Stars
