THE EDITED PRESS RELEASE: “Despite the global COVID-19 pandemic, Hoodoo Gurus had a busy 2021, preparing for the release of their 10th studio album Chariot Of The Gods. Although it’s their first new release in a dozen years, the album is nothing short of classic Gurus — 14 bangers (17 on the deluxe double-vinyl edition) featuring the relatable lyricism and peerless songwriting the distinctively Australian band are renowned for.
Lead singer Dave Faulkner describes the recording of Chariot Of The Gods: “The last two years have been frustrating and nerve-racking for everyone, but for the Hoodoo Gurus, this dark cloud has had a silver lining. Forced to rely on ourselves instead of the outside world for validation, there has been a creative rebirth within the band that has resulted in a new album. Most important of all, the musical bonds between the four of us have never been stronger. When the discussions are all about which songs we’re sad about having to leave off the record, that’s a damn good sign. I’m tellin’ ya, folks, we’ve got a real spring in our step right now.”
Each of the album’s songs tells a different story. The album’s lead single is Carry On, an anthem celebrating resilience and tenacity (damn the torpedoes!). There’s the explosive glam-stomper World of Pain. Hung Out To Dry, a politically incorrect ode to a former orange President, is only available on the limited-release double vinyl version. Get Out of Dodge is a song to all the non-conformists out there — anyone who feels outnumbered and can’t fit in with the unreasonable expectations of the crowd, and the punk-snarling stage-setter Answered Prayers.
Celebrating their 40th anniversary since forming in 1981, Hoodoo Gurus boast nine ARIA (Australian Record Industry Association) Top 20 albums, nine ARIA Top 40 singles, a host of multi-platinum albums and an induction into the ARIA Hall of Fame. They hold a singular place in Australian and international rock ’n’ roll history. Comprising members of seminal ’70s Auspunk outfits including The Victims, The Scientists, The Fun Things, Radio Birdman and The Divinyls, the band were unrepentant garage-rockers whose colorful personality and pop culture smarts took them to the top of the charts at home and to the forefront of international garage / alternative / power pop movements of the mid-’80s, accepted as friends and contemporaries by bands ranging from The Bangles to The Fleshtones and The Flamin’ Groovies to Redd Kross. The band played to packed houses across Brazil, Europe and America, making their way to the top of the U.S. college and alternative charts on multiple occasions.
Hoodoo Gurus are Dave Faulkner (vocals, guitars), Brad Shepherd (vocals, guitars), Rick Grossman (vocals, bass) and Nik Reith (drums).
