The True North (album) explained

The True North
Type:	studio
Artist:	Peter Garrett
Cover:	The True North by Peter Garrett.png
Border:	yes
Length:	36:48
Label:	Peter Garrett Sony
Producer:	Peter Garrett Tony Buchen
Prev Title:	A Version of Now
Prev Year:	2016

The True North is the second studio album by Australian rock musician Peter Garrett, released on 15 March 2024. The album was announced on 20 October 2023.^{[1] [2]}

The album was recorded with producer Tony Buchen and The Alter Egos, a band including Martin Rotsey, Heather Shannon, Evan Mannell and Rowan Lane.^[3]

Upon announcement, Garrett said, "With the Oils, and even the first solo record, there was plenty of banging down the doors and speaking out about the things that need to change. There's still a bit of that in this album too of course but generally these songs are reflective of the special things we need to cherish; the natural world as well as our always spinning internal compass, that helps us navigate the unruly passage of life."^[3]

Release and promotion

On 13 October 2023, shared the title track, with Garrett saying via his website that the first "official" single from the album will be released on 20 October.^{[4] [5]}

On 20 October 2023, "Innocence Parts 1 & 2" was released.^[1] Its video was released on 17 November 2023.^[6]

"Permaglow" was released as the album's second single on 2 February 2024.

The album will be supported with the Peter Garrett & The Alter Egos – The True North Tour 2024, in March 2024 across Australia.^[1]

Critical reception

Jeff Jenkins from JB Hi-Fi said "Overall, The True North is a deeply unsettling listening experience. It's an album torn between hope and despair" calling the album "a joy".^[7]

Lars Brandle from Rolling Stone Australia said "The former Midnight Oil frontman's second solo album reveals a rocker who still wants in on the game after an already storied career."

Noel Mengel from The Music said "The album draws inspiration from the natural world and Australia's northern regions. Some songs directly address serious issues; others have broader brush strokes. But the call to action in Garrett's music is undimmed."^[8]

Personnel

Musicians

• Peter Garrett – vocals, harp
• Grace Garrett – background vocals
• May Garrett – background vocals
• Rowan Lane – bass
• Freya Schack-Arnott – cello
• Evan Mannell – drums
• Martin Rotsey – guitar
• Heather Shannon – keyboards, piano
• Ollie Thorpe – pedal steel guitar
• Tony Buchen – synthesizer

Technical

• Peter Garrett – production, mixing
• Tony Buchen – production, mixing, engineering
• Steve Smart – mastering
• Martin Rotsey – engineering assistance
• Caleb Hill – engineering assistance

Charts

Chart (2024)! scope="col"

Peak position
Australian Albums (ARIA)^[9]	17

Notes and References

1. Peter Garrett announces new solo album, The True North, and 2024 Australian tour. Beat Magazine. 20 October 2023. 8 December 2023.
2. Web site: Peter Garrett set to return to the touring circuit with new album The True North. Starts at 60. 22 October 2023. 8 December 2023. Quintin Low.
3. Web site: Peter Garrett announces new solo album, The True North, and national tour. Australian Broadcasting Corporation. 20 October 2023. 8 December 2023. Al Newstead.
4. Web site: Peter Garrett Shares First Taste of New Music from Forthcoming Solo Album The True North. Peter Garrett. 18 October 2023. 8 December 2023.
5. Web site: Peter Garrett The True North (Visualiser). YouTube. 13 October 2023. 8 December 2023.
6. Web site: Peter Garrett – Innocence Parts 1 & 2 (Official Video). YouTube. 17 November 2023. 8 December 2023.
7. Web site: Peter Garrett review: Musically intrepid and lyrically striking, The True North is a joy. JB Hi-Fi. 13 March 2024. 16 March 2024.
8. Web site: Peter Garrett: 'I Am Feeling The Greatest Sense Of Urgency Right Now' . The Music. 15 March 2024. 24 March 2024.
9. Web site: ARIA Top 50 Albums Chart. Australian Recording Industry Association. 25 March 2024. 22 March 2024.