Priority Paid – Sometimes We Scream

Priority Paid
Sometimes We Scream
1990 (no label)
Australia

J.R. Burns – Vocals, keyboards, harmonica
I.K.A. McDonald – Guitars
P.D. Downey – Vocals, acoustic guitar
O.M. Craig – Bass, vocals
R.E.S. Pye – Drums

1. Back to the River
2. Counting the Gains
3. All Guns Blazing
4. Footsteps in the Sand
5. Madame Trousseau
6. Shine

The cover to this gives off a very distinct 90s alternative, almost gothic feel. In fact, I think Saviour Machine used a similar photo effect on some of their early band pictures? Anyways, the sound is more late 80s Australian alternative/roots rock. Lots of energy, jangly guitars, passion, and pop sensibility. It’s like Midnight Oil, INXS, and early Newsboys all wrapped up into one, with a noticeable Steve Taylor influence. It’s not terribly innovative considering there were many bands like this at the time, but they do this particular type of music well. They had a full length before this one in 1988 called Image as well.