Orstralia: A Punk History 1974–1989 – Book Review
Published by: PM Press
Orstralia: A Punk History 1974–1989 is an authoritative chronicle of Australia’s formative musical epochs. It traces the lineage from pioneering acts in the mid-1970s, hardcore punk in the 1980s and the eclectic mix of styles that marked the genre’s evolution as it headed into the 1990s. Matthew Worley, author of No Future: Punk Politics and British Youth Culture, 1976–84, surmises, “A brilliant book and essential reading for all those interested in punk’s cultural past.”
Orstralia: A Punk History 1974–1989, explores Australia’s vibrant punk scene during the 1970s and 1980s. Of course, popular bands are covered, like The Saints, Radio Birdman, Hard-Ons, and Vicious Circle. Uniquely, this book goes beyond the known and delves into the country’s turbulent alternative underground and, for many bands, over as soon as they began. It uncovers a fascinating era marked by clashes between rebellious youths and authorities. Moreover, it explores the conflicts between different subcultures within the punk movement. Touching on the need for punk to evolve with the likes of Depression “punk/hardcore/metal hybridity”, as well as the crucial influence of female punk like G.A.S.H (Girls Against Sexist Hype), I would argue this is a critical reading, what may be considered, a forgotten history.
An exhaustive anthology of Australia’s punk movement, it offers an unabashed view into what many consider a pivotal cultural awakening within the punk scene itself. While it occasionally delves into contentious territory, recounting a period in Australia’s past that may provoke discomfort, it ultimately provides profound understanding and perspective. One of the most remarkable aspects of Australian punk during this period was its ability to thrive and evolve despite the challenges posed by an oppressive state government (Queensland and Western Australia). What is equally cool is how Australian youth essentially develop independently, with little external influence, equally acknowledging that music develops as a result of societal impact. The result – resilience and ingenuity, a unique and powerful force within the punk movement.
Cleverly, Tristan Clark brings the reader on a journey whereby cities are key. Kicking off with The Saints, who emerged from the primordial goo that was Brisbane, Queensland, in 1970, quick to validate the commonplace of violence on the streets of Brisbane, Ipswich, Sydney, Perth and indeed the nation’s capital, Canberra… sparing Melbourne originally as a sparse musical wasteland compared to the metropolis it’s known for today, with its first punk festival held on New Year’s Eve 1977 “Punk Gunk”, with little not no fuss from authorities. Although occasionally unsettling, it offers a real depiction of punk’s origins and the enduring debate over its essence and purpose. While the punk movement in Australia may have been less conspicuous than the notorious upheaval it caused in other nations, it has gained international recognition for its unique contribution to the genre.
The book distinguishes itself through its thorough research and the vivid imagery captured halfway through, which enhanced the impact. Images of Boys Next Door (1979), Sputniks (1979), Where’s the Pope (1985), I Spit on your Gravy, and Perdition, jump off the page and encapsulate the authors agenda, offering readers an immersive journey into the past, providing a detailed and insightful view, subjecting them to the era’s tangible struggles. This work underscores the historical significance of the time, illuminating the profound cultural and musical contributions of the Australian punk movement.
Beyond its historical significance, Orstralia: A Punk History 1974–1989 delivers an entertaining narrative (130 interviews) that uncovers a treasure trove of detail and intimate storylines. It serves as an essential testament to the power of subversive creativity and the impact of punk as a force. Whether you have a keen interest in the history of punk or enjoy a compelling read, it’s all on show. Also notable is that there is equal coverage of celebrated and transient, lesser-known bands, including the fascinating and shocking personal details befitting such a passionate and intemperate cultural form and punk’s placement within broader Australian society. These moments move this piece from a documentary perspective to a commemorative memoir, an absolute drawcard.
Standing apart from what is thought to be the core of punk, the UK, Australia’s youth were sprouting a scene all their own but were rarely recognised as a punk force. Tristan Clark peels back the curtain to reveal a somewhat chaotic nation and musical movement, in a way that highlights the turbulence and somewhat embarrassing moment in Australian history, but not the music, society, and culture. Fashion, politics, boredom, what is the purpose of punk? These pages’ recurring theme hold a realisation that Australian punk was simply an opportunity for kids to play music and have a go.
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VLR can be followed on Instagram | Facebook
Words by VLR. More work by VLR on LTW can be found in her author profile.
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