Chris Bailey’s death in 2022 may have effectively brought an end to The Saints, but through it would appear some painstaking work in the background, not the end of their catalogue. The band who effectively grew punk rock in their own Brisbane test tube and released (I’m) Stranded in 1976 to widespread acclaim never built the profile of their imitators, but if Bailey ever cared, it was never evident.
Having moved to London they spent the next few years defying convention, guitarist Ed Kuepper’s departure in 1978 one of a series of lineup changes that would eventually leave Bailey as the sole original member for a large chunk of their history.
With initial sessions taking place seven years ago – it’s not entirely clear why it’s taken this long for the finished product to be made available – Long March through The Jazz Age found him recording with drummer Pete Wilkinson and guitarist Sean Carey, both of whom provide affectionate footnotes. Whilst the sometimes plaintive Americana here is a long way from The Saints’ origins, the likes of Bruises, Imaginary Fields Forever and Vikings are sublime, but it’s the seven minutes plus of Carnivore (Long March Through The Jazz Age) that stands as the most poignant reminders of a singular talent.
You can read a full review here.
The Voice Of Unreason 