The Scientists
Blood Red River 1982-1984

THE REVIEW

Originality is not a virtue in the music business. Nor is sincerity.

So it happens that an Australian band devoted to some good old hard-hitting punk rock blues is forced to live at a purely "underground" level, without the support of the specialized press (except for the fanzines of the good old days) and without the backing of a scene, the punk scene in particular, which is too conservative to appreciate those who dare to "push" beyond certain boundaries.

Yes, because The Scientists were born in the Australian punk circuit. The one with Radio Birdman, Saints and Boys Next Door. With the latter, in particular, the Scientists share some common ground. The band's spiritual fathers, therefore, can be considered the Stooges and the Cramps without forgetting elements of blues, garage rock and even "noise". A band that has made honesty and an unselfish love for its music its only flag. But internal frictions have undermined its stability. Activity period examined: 1981-1984.

Indeed, this is not their official record but a collection of EPs produced in those two earth-shattering years. Often compared to the Birthday Party, and not without reason, the Scientists, however, do not reach the iconoclastic and manic fury of the authors of "Junkyard" and, in this sense, can be compared to the more humane blues-punk of the early Gun Club. In short: a healthy balance between the anger of young Cave (especially in the vocal lines) and the despair of the band once led by Jeffrey Lee Pierce.

Standout tracks in the collection include "Set It on Fire", "Blood Red River", "The Spin", "Nitro" and the lycanthropic "Murderess In A Purple Dress". A special mention for "Demolition Baby", a way of understanding and playing rock'n'roll that set a precedent. The disciples go by the names Mudhoney, Pussy Galore and John Spencer Blues Explosion. Even Sonic Youth showed a certain interest in the fate of the Australian band.

But talking about the Scientists in Italy is like mentioning something never heard of. It's difficult to find copies of this album in circulation. However, with a bit of effort, you'll do justice to a band forgotten for too long.