Melbourne’s musical landscape has evolved significantly since the late 1970s, but one band that has remained a unique force is Essendon Airport. In November 2023, the group launched their new album, MOR, marking their first release since 1982. The event took place at the Northcote Social Club, where the band showcased their signature sound characterized by hypnotic rhythms and a blend of electronica.
Essendon Airport co-founder and synth player David Chesworth described the band’s approach to music as one of repetition. “We sort of enjoy the persistence of playing something over and over again,” he explained. This musical philosophy resonates throughout MOR, which features material the band has been performing for nearly 50 years. The concert drew a diverse crowd, demonstrating a shift in audience engagement over the decades.
Graham Lee, the band’s guitarist, reflected on this transformation, stating, “These days our musical peers will come up to us after a show and say, ‘How do you get young people?’ Well, we really don’t know.” Barbara Hogarth, the bassist, added, “Audiences have changed in the way they approach music. Back then it was kind of tribal what music that you liked. Now audiences are so open.”
Emergence of Essendon Airport in the 1970s
Essendon Airport was formed in 1978 by Chesworth and Robert Goodge. They became a prominent part of Melbourne’s experimental music scene, particularly through their performances at venues like the Clifton Hill Community Music Centre. In the following years, the band expanded to a five-piece and played at various locations, including house parties and art galleries.
In a time when imported records were scarce and radio was dominated by top 40 hits, the band sought to create a distinctive sound. “That was all we mainly had access to, and it was kind of exhausting,” Goodge recalled. Their innovative blend of proto-electronica and experimental jazz did not always resonate with mainstream audiences. As Chesworth noted, their abrasive sound “slightly annoyed people.” Many concert-goers were expecting more conventional acts like Midnight Oil or The Boys Next Door.
The band’s persistence paid off over time, as evidenced by the enthusiastic reception of their recent album. The success of MOR demonstrates that Essendon Airport has not only survived but thrived in a changing musical landscape.
A Renaissance in Recognition
The revival of interest in Essendon Airport can be attributed to Guy Blackman, the founder of indie record label Chapter Music. In the early 2000s, Blackman discovered the band’s EP, Sonic Investigations of the Trivial, in a secondhand store and became an advocate for their work. “It was so just different and kind of magical,” Blackman said of the record. This discovery prompted him to track down Chesworth, leading to the band’s inclusion in Chapter Music’s compilation, Can’t Stop It!, which highlighted Australia’s neglected post-punk history.
As Blackman noted, there was a void in the documentation of Australian music history during the late 1990s and early 2000s. “It’s been filled in a bit over the last few decades,” he stated, reflecting a growing pride in the contributions of artists like Essendon Airport.
Throughout the years, the band members have continued to pursue various musical and artistic endeavors. Chesworth has released solo albums and created installations, while Goodge and Hogarth formed the band I’m Talking with singer Kate Ceberano. Lee, a relative newcomer to the group, has a background with the renowned 1980s band The Triffids. Paul Fletcher has engaged in diverse pursuits, from art to horticulture.
Despite their unconventional beginnings, Essendon Airport has maintained a dedicated following. “They were so prescient in what they were doing,” Blackman commented. Their sound, which incorporates elements of ambient music and dance culture, has garnered renewed appreciation from younger generations.
As the band moves forward, they continue to exist outside the mainstream, focusing on intimate performances for an expanding audience that appreciates eclectic music. “We’re sort of known about, just fizzing away in the background,” Chesworth remarked. “We’ve never peaked and we’re never going to.”
The album MOR is now available through Chapter Music, and its release serves as a testament to the enduring legacy of Essendon Airport. The band’s ability to evolve while remaining true to their roots has solidified their place in Melbourne’s vibrant music scene.
