Unlike the firey, politically driven hard Aussie rock songs of the previous decade, Midnight Oil have toned their music down over recent albums, and by the mid-1990’s had reached their own middle-age with this release, Breathe.
Unlike most of their best songs from the previous decade, this album is a lot softer, a lot slower, and a bit more reflective in music style. Whereas with their early albums you imagine the whole band jumping around and rocking out while playing, you can almost see the whole band sitting comfortably in their armchairs as they recorded this album. It’s a real change in style for the group, and though the album is not a bad one, it really does miss the vibrancy that previous releases are full of. Perhaps they were just going with their hearts – their ageing hearts – or perhaps this was the mood they were looking for. Overall, as a fan of the band, I am disappointed in the direction.
Sure, I can put the album on and listen to it. Actually, if I’ve got people over, it is the perfect background music, because it doesn’t take away the focus of the conversation. Probably not a good advertisement for the album itself, but it gives you an idea of its style and performance.
Rating: Not so bad, but not a screamer either. Elevator music, anyone? 3/5.
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