Bigstorm - Living In Exile (1989)

(Australian 1988-1989)

Bigstorm were an Australian band from Sydney, and comprised of Bjarne Ohlin (Guitar, Vocals), Don Miller-Robinson (Lead Guitar, Bass, Vocals), Huey Benjamin (Drums, Vocals), and Stewart D’Arrietta (Lead Vocals, Keyboards). They released on album, Living in Exile, on WEA in 1989.

The members of Bigstorm came from varied backgrounds. Ohlin had appeared as an actor in episodes of Bluey and Case for the Defence in 1976 and ’78 and played guitar with Divinyls from 1980-1986. Miller-Robinson had also acted, appearing in the 1982 film, Monkey Grip, and releasing one single as a solo performer, “There Was A Girl,” b/w “Ghosts Of Love” the same year. Benjamin had moved from Canberra to Sydney to play drums with G Force and later the Tasmanian band, The Innocents. D’Arrietta had released a solo album, Side Effects, in 1985 and had also been a member of The New Republic.

In 1988, Bigstorm released the singles “Rubber Love” b/w “Not Guilty.” In January, 1989 they released “Happy New Year” b/w “Not Guilty (Live) followed by “Not Guilty” b/w “Rubber Love (Live) in February.”

The full-length Living in Exile followed and was recorded at The Rockfort in Sydney (with additional recording at Rhinoceros Studios). It was produced by Miller-Robinson.The music is melodic, arena-ready vein of The Alarm, The Call, Hothouse Flowers, Noiseworks, Silent Running, Simple Minds, and U2. D’Arrietta’s vocals aren’t for everyone, though; he’s a belter with a distinctly gravelly shout that probably wouldn’t displease a fan of Bob Seger or Joe Cocker.

One more single followed, “Once In Bed” b/w “Not Waiting After that” and, like those which preceded, failed to sell significant numbers. 

Soon after Bigstorm dissipated and the members went their separate ways. Miller-Robinson went on to score several films, including 2005’s Tennis, Anyone…? in which he also appeared as an actor. Benjamin continued to perform as a session musician, including on Grant McLennan’s solo debut and with later Ian Moss of Cold Chisel and Yothu Yindi. He also went on to score films and ballets. D’Arrietta has worked as a musical director in theatrical productions and has scored television series including Ocean Star, The Cut, and Trapped. [Thanks to Eric Brightwell for this bio]

Below is extremely rare footage of Bigstorm singing their single "Rubber Love", taken from an old video recorded from the television broadcast of an MTV charity telethon. The Audio has been restored but the picture is rough. This video was made by Sydney production company Meaningful Eye Contact and directed by Keir McFarlane.

This post consists of FLACS ripped from my recently acquired vinyl (while visiting Auckland, N.Z). Full album artwork for both vinyl and CD formats are included along with label scans.  

Although Bigstorm was not on my radar back in the late 80's, I'm glad I eventually came across them some years ago (via a music forum) and have been hunting for their album ever since.  I particularly like the vocals of Stewart D'Arrietta which are very similar to Joe Cocker while their style of music has been described as Goth Rock by Chris Spencer (in his Who's Who's of Australian Rock Discography).  

If you haven't heard this album, then I suggest you do - 'Living In Exile' is a solid and enjoyable album, and it is a pity that Bigstorm never recorded a follow up album before they disbanded.  

Track Listing:
01 Don't Look Down 3:21
02 Rubber Love 3:54
03 Monster Of A Love 4:27
04 Once In Bed 4:23
05 Not Guilty 4:03
06 Happy New Year 3:55
07 Take It Back 3:46
08 Difficult Times For The Princess 4:04
09 Beware Of The Cure 3:55
10 Love On The Telephone 3:33
11 Flying 5:45

Band Members:

Drums, Vocals – Huey Benjamin

Guitar, Vocals – Bjarne Ohlin

Lead Guitar, Bass, Vocals, Producer – Don Miller-Robinson

Lead Vocals, Keyboards – Stewart D'Arrietta

Bigstorm Link (262Mb)