Radio Birdman ‎– Living Eyes VG+/VG+ (First pressing – ’81)

Released in 1981, Living Eyes was the final studio album by Australian punk outfit Radio Birdman before their breakup. Recorded during a whirlwind first European tour supporting the Flamin’ Groovies, the album captured a band on the cusp of something big. Despite internal tensions that would ultimately lead to their demise, Living Eyes crackles with raw energy and a sound heavily influenced by guitarist Deniz Tek’s Detroit roots.

The album’s aggressive, guitar-driven anthems echo the fury of The Stooges and MC5, while also tipping their hat to the swaggering rock and roll of The Rolling Stones. Tracks like “Smith and Wesson Blues” and “Crying Sun” showcase the band’s tight interplay and frontman Rob Younger’s distinctive vocals. Though marred by the use of a cassette recording for mastering due to the disappearance of the original tapes, Living Eyes remains a powerful testament to Radio Birdman’s untamed spirit and enduring influence.