Cold Chisel: East Album Review
Cold Chisel’s East (1980) marked a turning point in Australian rock, blending raw pub rock energy with more polished pop elements and diverse songwriting. This album is a sonic journey through genres, showing Cold Chisel’s versatility and mastery of storytelling through music. From the explosive opener, "Standing on the Outside," to the soulful and introspective "Choirgirl," East is an album that strikes a balance between hard-hitting rock and emotive balladry. Each track brims with strong guitar riffs, Jimmy Barnes' signature gritty vocals, and Don Walker's brilliant songwriting.
Musically, East shines in its ability to mix different influences. Tracks like "Cheap Wine" and "Star Hotel" echo with both Australian pub rock swagger and melodic pop sensibility, showing a refinement in production that sets East apart from the band’s earlier, rawer work. Steve Prestwich’s drumming and Phil Small’s basslines are tight and punchy, providing the backbone to songs that move fluidly between rock anthems, ballads, and blues-inspired tracks.
The album’s originality is rooted in its lyrical content, where Walker’s reflections on urban life, relationships, and disillusionment with fame come through. The anthemic "Four Walls" offers commentary on life behind bars, while "Choirgirl" dives into sensitive themes like abortion, proving that the band was not afraid to tackle weighty subjects in their music.
The recording of East was not without its struggles. The band was balancing growing commercial expectations with their desire to stay true to their rough-and-tumble pub roots. Tensions often flared between Jimmy Barnes and Don Walker over creative control, with Barnes pushing for a louder, rock-oriented sound while Walker sought to incorporate more diverse musical elements. These internal conflicts ultimately fueled the intensity and passion heard on the album, but they also foreshadowed the band’s eventual breakup.
Despite these struggles, East was a monumental success upon its release, debuting at number two on the Australian charts and propelling Cold Chisel to national fame. It became a cultural touchstone in Australian rock history, cementing the band as legends. East has sold over 500,000 copies, earning multi-platinum certification and retaining its status as one of Cold Chisel's most iconic works.
In summary, East showcases Cold Chisel at their most dynamic, blending gritty rock with melodic sophistication. It’s a timeless Australian classic that still resonates with listeners over four decades later.
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