In 1985 THE SCIENTISTS, KIM SALMON's Australian post punk band were stranded. On the eve of a major UK tour, their talented, yet difficult drummer Brett Rixon walked out on the band. A number of name “Rock” drummers were hired to replicate Rixon’s parts, however, it never sounded like The Scientists. The last thing this band wanted to do was “Rock”. In 1985, The Scientists' sound was Dark, Primal, Beat Driven, Minimal and Swampy. As important as the Beat was, it couldn't overpower the band. The playing had to be Metronomic and Restrained. At this time, the band’s tour manager LEANNE COWIE secretly purchased Rixon’s drum kit and proceeded to learn the instrument through The Scientists' repertoire. After a few more failed auditions with what would be viewed by any other band as more than worthy applicants, Leanne was finally asked to join the band. Instantly, The Scientists sounded like The Scientists. With Leanne as Rixon’s replacement, the band was able to tour and record a little longer. However, even with this vital transplant, the band’s days were numbered and by 1987 it was no more. Now with the newly reformed Scientists (with Leanne on drums) playing again, a re-ignited Salmon and Cowie entered a Melbourne studio and within a few days, True West was born.
The material on True West has echoes of the classic Scientists' Swampy sound especially in the tracks "Freudian Slippers" and "Get A Hold Of Your World." And "The Science Test" is another exercise in Minimalism. Salmon plays one note and Cowie plays one beat. It also has an accompanying video is just as strange. "Carry On Baggage" recalls classic Nuggets Garage Punk. They also manage to throw a Rolling Stones cover in "Dead Flowers." But, you have never heard the Stones do anything like this. The album also contains a few hip hop moments, glam rock and funnily enough a couple of "Rock" songs. Edition of 400 copies.