The Cruel Sea Unveils Latest Album – InReview
After nearly twenty-five years away from recording, The Cruel Sea has made a triumphant return to the music scene with a new album titled “Straight Into The Sun” and a national tour, led by the charismatic Tex Perkins. Perkins fondly recalls the band’s origins at Sydney’s Harold Park Hotel, where they started by playing moody, noir-inspired instrumentals reminiscent of The Shadows. Inspired by their music, Perkins began contributing lyrics and melodies, eventually stepping into the role of frontman. The band’s earlier albums, such as “This Is Not The Way Home” and “The Honeymoon Is Over,” enjoyed critical acclaim and commercial success.
In a world dominated by streaming services, it is refreshing to see that “Straight Into The Sun” is available for purchase on vinyl. Perkins acknowledges the convenience of streaming but also appreciates the artistry and nostalgia associated with vinyl records. He reminisces about the significance of album covers and the tangible experience of holding a vinyl record, complete with liner notes and artwork.
Perkins’ diverse musical upbringing, influenced by his siblings’ eclectic tastes, played a significant role in shaping his own musical journey. Growing up with siblings who listened to a range of artists spanning from Ravi Shankar to the Sex Pistols, Perkins absorbed a broad spectrum of musical styles. His first experiences of buying albums, often based on limited information available, led to unexpected discoveries like Alice Cooper’s “Welcome to My Nightmare.”
The decision to reunite with The Cruel Sea was primarily motivated by Perkins’ desire to collaborate with guitarist Danny Rumour once more. The band faced tragedy with the loss of James Cruickshank to cancer in 2015, prompting them to enlist acclaimed guitarist Matt Walker for their current lineup. The creative process for the new album involved building melodies and lyrics around the instrumentals provided by Rumour, with Perkins often drawing inspiration from titles or punchlines to shape the songs.
For the latest record, the band set out with a clear goal of creating a cohesive body of work encapsulated in a single disc format. Perkins explains that the limitations imposed by the vinyl LP format challenge artists to craft a compact, focused album that flows seamlessly from start to finish. Embracing these traditional constraints added a layer of intentionality and structure to their creative process, resulting in a more concentrated and purposeful collection of music.
With “Straight Into The Sun” now available, The Cruel Sea is gearing up for a national tour that kicks off in Adelaide on May 1. This highly anticipated comeback promises to deliver a memorable live experience for fans old and new. The band’s commitment to preserving the essence of their music through the vinyl format reflects their dedication to honoring the artistry and craftsmanship of the past while forging ahead into the future of rock music.