In 1987, the single Beds Are Burning propelled Midnight Oil to the top of the global charts. The Australian band were then already on their sixth album. Highly socially, politically and environmentally active, the bald giant Peter Garrett (who was environmental minister between 2007 and 2010) and his group were suddenly exposed to a vast public. They were vocal supporters of the shockingly mistreated aborigine community and cast shadows over U2 in stadiums around the world. After almost 2 decades out of the studio and amidst this global struggle, Midnight Oil are compelled to let out another rallying cry. The short Makarrata Project is a classic rock album that sounds like it was pulled straight out of the 80s with its crystalline guitars, punchy rhythms and numerous laidback and folk songs. Most importantly, the band’s comeback is intended to be a structured and incisive message in support of reconciliation with the indigenous peoples of Australia. The discourse is carried by strong melodies and guest Australian musicians like Jessica Mayboy, Tasman Keith, Dan Sultan, Alice Skye, Frank Yamma and Geoffrey Gurrumul Yunupingu who died in 2017. A beautiful record full of anger, frustration, but also hope. © Clotilde Maréchal/Qobuz