A Milestone in Australian Rock

The Sherbs - The Skill

Every now and then, I thumb through my record collection and stumble on an album I bought when vinyl was king. Recently, I found The Skill by The Sherbs—a gem of an abandoned album that transported me back to the early '80s.

I first heard “I Have the Skill” and “No Turning Back” on my local radio station, which played them just enough to pique my curiosity. The darker tone of “No Turning Back” made it my favorite, but it was “I Have the Skill” that charted, reaching #61 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #14 on the Modern Rock Chart.

Radio insider magazine CashBox proclaimed this about The Sherbs:

“The band proves that Australia doesn't have only AC/DC and Split Enz to offer. The revitalised fivesome plays a nifty brand of modern power pop that should please both Top 40 and AOR programmers.”

I guess the album was released in 1980 and the AC/DC and Split Enz reference supports that. I know my memory isn’t that shot but I don’t recall hearing it until 1982 or ‘83. I know this because I recall where we lived (Dayton, OH), the record store where I got it (Dingleberry’s), and the girl I was dating (Lynne).

In any event, by then, AC/DC was a solid part of the rock and roll tapestry, Men at Work had stormed the American charts, and INXS was gaining traction. All I knew about The Sherbs was that they, too, were from Australia—a fact that intrigued me as much as their music.

The Sherbs were an evolution of the Australian band Sherbet, who were looking to mark a new chapter in their career during the late 1970s and early 1980s. Known for their earlier success, the re-brand was an effort to embrace a more mature and international sound, moving away from their teen-pop image to create music that resonated with broader audiences. This transition culminated in this critically acclaimed album - the band’s eighth album!

The Skill represented a departure from Sherbet’s pop-oriented roots, showcasing a sophisticated mix of rock, new wave, and synth-driven melodies.

Produced by Richard Lush and the band, the album demonstrated the band’s ability to adapt to the evolving music landscape while maintaining their knack for crafting memorable hooks.

The album’s first single, "I Have the Skill," is a dynamic anthem that highlights the band’s tight musicianship and soaring vocals by frontman Daryl Braithwaite. All of the songs, including “No Turning Back” reveal a blend of introspection and energy, with lush synth arrangements and driving rhythms that positioned the band alongside contemporary acts such as Toto and Journey.

The record was well-received both in Australia and internationally, particularly in the United States, where it earned them a dedicated cult following - it’s nice to know I wasn’t alone. The album’s polished production and radio-friendly sound demonstrated the band’s ambition to reach global audiences and they almost did with The Skill topping off at #100 on the Billboard Album Chart.

The Skill stands as a testament to their creative evolution and willingness to take risks.

It remains a defining work in their discography and a pivotal moment in Australian rock history, reflecting a band ready to innovate without sacrificing their melodic core.

Does anyone else remember this record?