The Blackeyed Susans

Editorial

Trying to keep up with the Blackeyed Susans's various line-up changes is an exercise in futility. Although they were highly acclaimed and released several albums between 1992 and 2003, the line-up was never set in stone. Indeed, they were more of a collective than a proper band, with members joining, leaving and rejoining based on whoever happened to be around and whatever was convenient.

The band's initial line-up came together in 1989 and featured a selection of established musicians 'on holiday' from their other projects, namely: David McComb (The Triffids), Phil Kakulas (Martha's Vineyard), Rob Snarski (Chad's Tree), Alsy McDonald (The Triffids) and Ross Bolleter. Various outside commitments meant the members would simply come together when it suited, recording a track here and there. Despite this ad-hoc approach, their first album, Welcome Stranger (sourced from earlier EPs), shot to the top of the independent charts. 1993's follow-up, All Souls Alive, was released internationally, selling plenty of copies and garnering all kinds of praise. More albums followed as the decade drew to a close.

Shangri-La, released in 2003, may have been nominated for Best Adult Contemporary Album at the ARIA Awards, but it also signalled the end of the group. Until now, that is. With a retrospective box-set released, Reveal Yourself 1989-2005, the members have reformed for a national tour showcasing their uniquely Australian mix of indie pop and rock.
Mikolai, October 2009