ESKIMO JOE – WASTELANDS

Hailing from Western Australia’s Fremantle, Eskimo Joe have been the quiet achievers of the Australian music scene since they began back in 1997. They’ve had #1 albums, won buckets of ARIA awards and received glowing reviews, but have mostly retained their anonymity and never become bona fide stars. For their sixth album, they’ve wisely decided to take some chances and, after a crowdfunding campaign via Pozible, made an album that doesn’t sound like Eskimo Joe at all. It still has a slight rock edge, but enhanced with glossy dance beats and shiny melodies that you wouldn’t have previously expected. Highlight Sad Song starts as minimalist electro before wandering into fairly uncharted dance/rock territory. A brave and accomplished feat and a truly great Australian album.