Australian band, Flowers was initially formed in 1977 by lead vocalists, and multi insturmentalist Iva Davis, and bassist Keith Welsch. They would pick up Michael Hoste on keyboards and Don Brown on drums. However, the two would be replaced in 1979 by John Lloyd (ex-Paul Kelly and the Dots), and Anthony Smith (who was sometimes called Adam Hall), on keyboards.
Still known as Flowers, the band would sign with Regular Records in 1980, and release the single, Can't Help Myself. The track would be a surprise hit, reaching the top ten in Australia. This was followed by their debut album, Icehouse. However, during recording sessions for the album, Michael Hoste, would replace Smith on keyboards. This would prove to only benefit the overall end result, which would see the record reaching number four on Australian charts. It would also go on to be one of the biggest of the year in their home country.
Throughout the year, several nominations and acolades came as a result of Icehouse. These included receiving the TV Week / Countdown Rock Awards 'Johnny O'Keefe New Talent Award, and nominations for Best Album, Best Album Cover, and Best Songwriter.
In 1981, Flowers would sign with Chrysalis Records, but in doing so would need to change their name for legal reasons, and potential confusion with the Scottish group, The Flowers. Icehouse was officially born. Their debut would be repackaged, and re-released under the label.
Enter today's Retro Spin.
Icehouse, the album, is heavy synth pop driven, and lyrically, feels deeper than your average pop album. Yes, there are songs here simply meant to get one tapping their toes. However, then you delve into the more mature style on songs such as Sons.
I think one of the biggest hooks to the album is the vocals of lyriscist, Davis. He has a Bowie vibe. He's able to sing in a deep tone, or grab you with haunting chords. It's definitely the standout aspect of Icehouse as a whole. This is particularly noticable, because the album is far from perfect. Yet, at the same time, I found myself invested becuase I just wanted to hear his voice. He made even the most mediocre song, and there were many, still something worth listening to.
Despite lacking perfection, overall, it's enjoyable. Additionally, there were songs here worth adding to my shuffle list, with standout track being the first, also aptly entitled, Icehouse. Basically, the groundwork shows potential to me. I have to stipulate the "to me" part, becuase in addition to the above noted accolades, the album went 5X Platinum in Australia, and 4X Platinum in New Zealand. Clearly what I saw as potential, many others saw as amazing. I mean, I grabbed six of the ten tracks for my shuffle, so heck, maybe I don't know what I'm talking about either.
Unfortunately, there is also a missing track on the US / UK releases of the album. The original Australian pressings contained eleven songs, while the international releases only held ten. The ommission of Nothing To Do is disappointing, but not necessarily a make or break moment. Firing it up on Youtube, it's just another one of those "okay" tunes.
The group would countinue to find major success in Australia throughout 1982 to 1985, and achieve their career biggest hit in 1986 with, Electric Blue, from the album, Man Of Colours, which I've already covered as a Retro Spins. However, before we can get to the latter, we have a few more records to fill in the gaps.
Join me next time as I do just that!
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| THIS WEEK ON THE CHARTS May 11, 1985 |
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