The Australians that brought us "Beds Are Burning" and "Blue Sky Mine" return after four years since their last release, Redneck Wonderland. With the Oil sound firmly mastered over twenty years of honing and establishing it, the band wastes no time on Capricornia before sticking their noses and boots into the world's social malaise -- their raison d'etre, for sure. "Golden Age," the lead off track, and first radio single, has an R.E.M. vibe to it, and mocks television media and its mindless followers with no mercy. "Too Much Sunshine" responds to the Beach Boys with tongue-in-cheek snarl, opening the song by saying: "Haven't had so much fun since my daddy took the V8 away." From there, it rebukes exploitative comfort zones, wasteful attitudes, and every other irresponsible, superficial quality often associated with the SoCal/post-empirical/first-world set. As usual, Peter Garrett and crew fully intend to leave the listener squirming, and they spike our social and spiritual apathy with all those killer harmonies and creamy hooks. A spoonful of sugar makes the Oil go down, and all that.
Editors' ratings - Doug 4/5, Jason 3.5/5
Other coverage for this album
The Phantom Tollbooth 2002Reviewed by Brian A. SmithVeteran Australian rockers Midnight Oil return to form on Capricornia, their first release on Minnesota label Liquid Records. Much more Earth Sun Moon than Redneck Wonderland, the album follows the established Midnight Oil style; political statements and environmental concerns built into rock songs, mixed with a few lighter moments. "Golden Age" gets things started, a commentary on the need to…Similar sounding releases
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