Prehistoric Sounds
The Saints · 1978
46 min · 13 tracks · punk rock
A raw and frenetic blend of punk energy with lyrical wit and social commentary, capturing the spirit of late '70s Australia.
Top tracks — play these first
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Brisbane (Security City) — This track stands out for its sharp commentary on urban life in Brisbane, encapsulating the band's ability to blend social critique with catchy melodies.
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Church of Indifference — With its haunting lyrics and driving rhythm, this song exemplifies The Saints' knack for marrying raw emotion with punk sensibilities.
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Every Day's a Holiday, Every Night's a Party — The upbeat tempo and infectious chorus make this track a representation of the band's celebration of youth and hedonism amidst societal issues.
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Swing for the Crime — Opening the album with energetic fervor, this track sets the tone for the record’s exploration of rebellion and disillusionment.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends raw punk energy with clever lyrics, showcasing a unique sound that influenced Australian punk.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a fast-paced track that sets a frenetic tone, maintaining high energy through the first half before introducing slower, more reflective pieces.
- Each song features a distinct lyrical narrative, often employing irony and social commentary that reflects the band's wit.
- Several tracks incorporate abrupt tempo changes, shifting from aggressive punk rhythms to more melodic sections, creating dynamic contrasts.
- 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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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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5/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Significant within its genre. 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
- dynamic mix of tempos
- lyrical introspection moments
- short, punchy listening bursts
- wave-like pacing experience
- energetic yet reflective vibe
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in January 1978, Prehistoric Sounds was The Saints' second studio album, following their influential debut, (I'm) Stranded. By this time, the band had begun to refine their sound while navigating the burgeoning punk scene, solidifying their reputation as pioneers of Australian rock.
- Stylistic neighbors
- The Damned· The Stooges· X-Ray Spex
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Swing for the Crime 3:37
- 2 All Times Through Paradise 4:09
- 3 Every Day's a Holiday, Every Night's a Party 2:48
- 4 Brisbane (Security City) 4:21
- 5 Church of Indifference 5:05
- 6 Crazy Googenheimer Blues 2:29
- 7 Everything's Fine 2:37
- 8 The Prisoner 4:53
- 9 Security 2:21
- 10 This Time 3:15
- 11 Take This Heart of Mine 2:28
- 12 The Chameleon 5:16
- 13 Save Me 3:22
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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