Review by Geoff Francis
UnAustralian Songs
By David Beniuk and the UnAustralians
To order, write to PO Box 29, Wollongong East 2520.
Many contemporary Australian folk artists have fallen into a rut of churning out a succession of bland "feel good" songs, presumably as a tried and tested formula for commercial success. Not David Beniuk.
This mini-album is an absolute gem. It is refreshing to listen to a singer-songwriter whose crafted lyrics and emotional delivery take you across a real gamut of reactions, from feeling uncomfortable to getting angry, and on to wanting to do something about it.
Beniuk is a rare talent. His songs are well crafted, even poetic, and well delivered. This collection includes the simple but effective "26 January", which challenges the notion of celebrating a day of tragedy such as Australia's national day.
The thoughtful and intricate "Lesser of Two Evils" cuts straight to the heart of the two-party system: "Economic rationalism's many names/ Somehow start to sound like they're all the same .../ The light on the hill for the true believers/ Is nothing more than the lesser of two evils,/ But there's only one true evil,/ Defending a system that just isn't equal."
All six songs on this CD are out of the top drawer, but for my money the prize jewel of the collection is "Advance Australia Current Affair". This song challenges the conventional notions of national interest and supposed patriotism. The lyrics weave together a series of simple political statements with a succession of powerful evocative images. It showcases Beniuk as an excellent songwriter.
Negatives? Just one. For my ears, this album seems a little overproduced. Beniuk's haunting style of delivery and subtle changes of voice don't need all those extra effects.
But don't let that put you off. You should buy this CD, not just because you want to support a progressive musician but because it will be the best purchase you will have made this year.