SPILL ALBUM REVIEW: THE SAINTS – LONG MARCH THROUGH THE JAZZ AGE

THE SAINTS
LONG MARCH THROUGH THE JAZZ AGE
FIRE RECORDS

The Saints formed in Brisbane, Queensland in Australia in 1973. Originally the band was founded by singer-songwriter Chris Bailey, drummer Ivor Hay, and guitarist-songwriter Ed Kuepper. Once punk hit, the band would evolve into one of the most influential punk and post-punk bands of the past 50 years. Although the band had numerous member changes throughout the years, Chris Bailey remained the only original member of the band until his untimely death in 2022. Not only did he leave behind a healthy catalogue of fantastic music, he also left an unfinished album. Long March Through the Jazz Age is the finished album that Bailey had written and recorded.

For the sessions that eventually became Long March Through the Jazz Age, he invited former Saints drummer Peter Wilkinson and guitarist/engineer Sean Carey, who had previously toured and recorded with the band. Along with a number of fine musicians from Sydney, Australia, they were also joined by Davey Lane of You Am I on guitar. This core band recorded what would become Bailey’s and The Saints final album. It is bittersweet to hear him with members of the band he so clearly loved and held close to his heart.

Long March Through the Jazz Age is the sound of a very mature artist who is facing mortality. I don’t want to read into the lyrics too much, but a song like “Imaginary Fields Forever,” which features the line “In imaginary fields, we could walk forever” is clearly an artist facing some harsh realities. Or songs like “Resurrection” and “A Vision of Grace” which deal with loss. But it is not depressing or too heavy, but it is moving nonetheless.

Elsewhere, the rocking song “Bruises” is a short history of Bailey’s life, while the wonderful, western tinged song “Empires (Sometimes We Fall)” is a brilliant song that is an instant classic. Bailey had a very clear idea as to where he wanted to take his music, and the album provides a strong map of genres and styles.

Musically, this album has a lot of different sounds flowing through both sides. Yes, there is a small tip of the hat to jazz with “Carnivore” but elsewhere, the songs are not angry post-punk rants, but rather restrained rock, with very strong melodies. Bailey could always write strong melodies, and these melodies are found on this album. As he got older, he seemed less outwardly angry and focused on some of his interpersonal relationships.

Long March Through the Jazz Age is a very strong album, and does not sound like it was cobbled together following his death. A great deal of care went into this album to make it sound as good as it does.

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