Top tracks — play these first
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Local And/Or General — The title track encapsulates the band's lively energy and biting wit, serving as a manifesto for their distinctive style.
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Dying for My Country at the War — This track critiques nationalism with a satirical edge, showcasing the band's ability to merge political commentary with catchy melodies.
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Drive and Reflex — With its pulsating rhythm and dynamic structure, this song exemplifies the new wave sound while highlighting the band's musical dexterity.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases energetic songwriting and production typical of early Australian new wave, with a unique lyrical perspective.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a high-energy title track that sets a brisk tempo, which is maintained through the first half before slowing down in the latter part.
- Several songs incorporate layered synthesizers and punchy guitar riffs, characteristic of early 80s new wave, while maintaining a distinct Australian flavor.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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6/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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5/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- sardonic humor in lyrics
- mid-tempo steady flow
- short tracks for quick engagement
- playful energy for gatherings
Maybe skip if you
- prefer long, immersive pieces
- seek deep emotional intensity
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 1981, Local and/or General was Models' debut album, marking their emergence in the Australian new wave scene. At this time, they were establishing their sound and identity, following a series of successful singles that garnered local attention.
- Stylistic neighbors
- The B-52's· Talking Heads· Devo
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Local And/Or General 3:23
- 2 Truth About Truth About Scientists 2:22
- 3 Unhappy 3:21
- 4 Telstar 0:55
- 5 Dying for My Country at the War 3:39
- 6 Drive and Reflex 5:00
- 7 Bantam Had 4:05
- 8 Man o' Action 3:39
- 9 Drunk in the House 3:04
- 10 Tearing Hair Out 3:29
- 11 Rate of Change 3:17
- 12 Untitled 0:46
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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