' first single was released in 1981, but the band's full-length debut, , didn't emerge until two years later. By then, the group had relocated from Perth to Sydney and solidified its lineup with the addition of (keyboards) and (bass). Although frontman and principal songwriter drew on a primarily American tradition for inspiration ( , , and ), the resulting songs were always inextricably linked to his native Western Australian environment. Indeed, the title of this album refers to the Nullarbor ("No Tree") Plain, the desolate area the band regularly traversed en route to Perth's nearest significant neighbor, Adelaide -- a 32-hour drive. Comprising material that had been honed in live performance and recorded over a dozen midnight-to-dawn sessions, underscores ' knack for blending and with in a way that anticipated the rise of in the '90s. While attest to that dimension of the band's sound, it is best embodied in the majestic with its hypnotic, mournful strings. 's characteristically dark narratives are also well-represented -- for instance, the bass-heavy groove, syncopated percussion, and stinging guitar of suggesting a more melodic version of . The energized, thumping makeover of 's and the driving both featuring 's vocals at their most commanding and resonant, rightfully remained live favorites until the band's demise. piqued interest in the U.K. -- where the band ultimately enjoyed the bulk of its success -- and offered incontrovertible evidence of 's skill as a songwriter with a unique lyrical and musical vision that would be fully realized on . ~ Wilson Neate