Album Review: The Riptides - Tombs Of Gold

The long-lost debut from Brisbane-bred power poppers The Riptides was recorded in 1981-2, but the tangled web of life prevented its release until now (many songs surfaced later but this version is as originally envisaged).

Despite being remixed and re-mastered, some of the production flourishes remain of the era but it’s bright and punchy and the songs are routinely great. The familiar voice of Mark Callaghan (later of GANGgajang) spins typically engrossing narratives, highlights including the previously-unreleased Sunset Strip ’81, the ska-tinged Holiday Time and the surfy near-instrumental Shake It. Non-stop fun.