For those not in the know, despite the global COVID-19 pandemic, Hoodoo Gurus had a busy 2021, preparing for the release of their 10th studio album, Chariot of the Gods, due from Big Time Phonograph Record Co./EMI on Friday, March 11th, 2022.

As you can well imagine, Chariot of the Gods is classic Gurus — 13 bangers (16 on the deluxe double-vinyl edition) featuring the relatable lyricism and peerless songwriting placed in a distinctively Australian context that the band are renowned for.

Furthermore, the album will be previewed by a global e-stream, in which fans across the globe can hear it played in its entirety for the very first time, as eMusic Live streams a special event pre-recorded at Damien Gerard Studios, Central Coast, NSW.

The streamed set will be shared on Thursday, March 10th at 8 p.m. AEDT / WST / PST / EST/ GMT ahead of the album’s official release on Friday, March 11th (Big Time Records /EMI Music) and will include members of the band online to chat with fans.

It is not only a special album preview but also a thank-you to loyal fans around the world who have been waiting on shows for the past couple of years. (Fans in North America who had purchased tickets to the recently cancelled tour were extended complimentary tickets to the stream by the Gurus and eMusic Live).

Tickets are $10 AUD /$8 USD – CLICK HERE for availability

Of the recording of Chariot of the Gods, lead singer Dave Faulkner says: “The last two years have been frustrating and nerve-racking for everyone, but for the Hoodoo Gurus, this dark cloud has had a silver lining. Forced to rely on ourselves instead of the outside world for validation, there has been a creative rebirth within the band that has resulted in a new album.”

“Most important of all, the musical bonds between the four of us have never been stronger. When the discussions are all about which songs we’re sad about having to leave off the record, that’s a damn good sign. I’m tellin’ ya, folks, we’ve got a real spring in our step right now.”

1. [Intro] Early Opener
2. World of Pain
3. Get Out of Dodge
4. Answered Prayers
5. Was I Supposed to Care?
6. Hang With the Girls
7. My Imaginary Friend
8. Equinox
9. Chariot of the Gods
10. Carry One
11. I Come from Your Future
12. Don’t Try to Save My Soul
13. Settle Down
14. Got to Get You Out of My Life

This opulent new album opens on the short, atmospheric [Intro] Early Opener and then brings us the drum-led rocker World of Pain before launching into the gently rambunctious Get Out of Dodge, the rock raunch of Answered Prayers, the languishing, mid-tempo, AOR balladry of Was I Supposed to Care? and then we get the raucous Hang With the Girls and the free flowing melodies within My Imaginary Friend.

Next up come the jangling guitars of the melodic pop-rock bounce of Equinox which is itself followed by the translucent rock ambience of the title track, and then we have AOR guitar rock of Carry One brought forth, the drum-led, down south grit rocker I Come from Your Future, the album rounding out on the rhythmical hipsway of Don’t Try to Save My Soul, the formidable AOR of Settle Down, coming to a close on the storytelling, and tambourine-imbed Got to Get You Out of My Life.

Each of the album’s songs tells a different story. The album’s lead single — and first from the band in 10 years — is Carry On, an anthem celebrating resilience and tenacity (damn the torpedoes!).

There’s the explosive glam-stomper World of Pain and Hung Out to Dry is a politically incorrect ode to a former orange President and is only available on the limited-release double vinyl version.

Get Out of Dodge is a song to all the non-conformists out there — anyone who feels outnumbered and can’t fit in with the unreasonable expectations of the crowd and there’s the punk-snarling stage-setter Answered Prayers.

Celebrating their 40th anniversary (since forming in 1981), Hoodoo Gurus boast nine ARIA (Australian Record Industry Association) Top 20 albums, nine ARIA Top 40 singles, a host of multi-platinum albums and an induction into the ARIA Hall of Fame. They hold a singular place in Australian and international rock ’n’ roll history.

Comprising members of seminal ’70s Auspunk outfits including the Victims, the Scientists, the Fun Things, Radio Birdman and the Divinyls, the band were unrepentant garage rockers whose colorful personality and pop culture smarts took them to the top of the charts at home and to the forefront of international garage/alternative /power pop movements of the mid-’80s, accepted as friends and contemporaries by bands ranging from the Bangles to the Fleshtones and the Flamin’ Groovies to Redd Kross.

The band played to packed houses across Brazil, Europe and America, making their way to the top of the U.S. College and Alternative charts on multiple occasions. Hoodoo Gurus are Dave Faulkner (vocals, guitars), Brad Shepherd (vocals, guitars), Rick Grossman (vocals, bass) and Nik Reith (drums).

Official Purchase Links

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