There’s something of an aura surrounding Aussie also-rans X, and this remastered version of their 1979 debut reissue goes some way to explaining why. On one hand, their sound owes one heck of a lot to the UK punk explosion – Simulated Lovers, for example, is a twisted cousin to the Pistols’ Submission, and Police has obviously filtered through The Clash a few times. On the other hand, the spectres of the likes of Jonathan Richman loom large in the deadpan delivery and exceptionally tight rock groove.
The fact that bassist Ian Rilen was an ex-member of Aussie giants Rose Tattoo is no surprise on an album that rushes through its grubby power for 14 still energetic, and occasionally silly tracks. The band’s non-hit single, I Don’t Wanna Go Out, is a highlight, as are the extra tracks – notably the 1984 single and cover of John Lennon’s Mother, and its B-side, Halfway Round The World. Another previously unreleased version of Mother rounds off the album with an enormous amount of emotion, vocalist Steve Lucas’ delivery absolutely spot-on and very affecting. This reissue comes with an ace 24-page booklet with loads of rare photos and a great biography to read whilst the disc(h)ord rages in your head.
