The first self-titled album by Perth's
Scientists bears almost no resemblance to the
Scientists who released so many wonderfully dirgy records in the '80s. Rather, this LP serves as a predecessor for another Australian rock institution, the
Hoodoo Gurus. As on all
Scientists' releases, this one features
Kim Salmon on vocals and guitar, but here he is joined by future
Gurus rhythm section James Baker (
Victims) and Ian Sharples, on the drums and bass, respectively. The music chugs along with all the right influences, including
Big Star, the
Ramones,
Johnny Thunders, and the
Troggs. Not quite punk, but in Perth circa 1980, it must've sounded pretty radical. With the simple themes of teen romance ("Walk the Plank"), teen alienation ("Larry," "Teenage Dreamer"), and girls ("Girl"), this record comes out of nowhere to bring you right back to that place when these subjects fixated you. The album was recorded as the band was breaking up and may be a bit overproduced (read: loud drums, separation of instruments), but the music stands on its own as a joyful ode to simpler times, before
Salmon's heart was in a place called "Swampland," which is, of course, nine parts water and one part sand.
Salmon later re-formed the
Scientists, taking the band in a radically different and darker direction. While not indicative of the
Scientists' sound (generally more
Birthday Party-like) this LP stands as their best, as well as one of the finest moments in early-'80s Australian rock. ~ Geoff Ginsberg